Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole and consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

Front

What does it mean to add fractions?

Back

Adding fractions involves combining two or more fractions to find a total. If the denominators are the same, add the numerators. If they are different, find a common denominator first.

Front

What does it mean to subtract fractions?

Back

Subtracting fractions involves taking one fraction away from another. If the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators. If they are different, find a common denominator first.

Front

How do you find a common denominator?

Back

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the fractions you are adding or subtracting.

Front

What is the least common multiple (LCM)?

Back

The least common multiple (LCM) of two or more numbers is the smallest number that is a multiple of each of the numbers.

Front

What is an improper fraction?

Back

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator, such as 5/4.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, such as 2 1/3.

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How do you convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

Back

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder is the new numerator.

Front

What is the process for adding fractions with different denominators?

Back

1. Find a common denominator. 2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator. 3. Add the numerators and keep the common denominator.

Front

What is the process for subtracting fractions with different denominators?

Back

1. Find a common denominator. 2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator. 3. Subtract the numerators and keep the common denominator.