Adding and Subtracting Fractions

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

Adding fractions involves combining the parts represented by the fractions. If the denominators are the same, you add the numerators. If they are different, you must find a common denominator first.

A common denominator is a shared multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions, allowing them to be added or subtracted.

The least common denominator of 1/3 and 1/4 is 12.

The first step is to find a common denominator.

No, you cannot add fractions with different denominators directly; you must first convert them to have a common denominator.

The sum of 1/4 + 5/8 is 7/8.

To subtract fractions, ensure they have a common denominator, then subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.

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