Adding & 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, add the numerators. If they are different, 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 multiple of 3 and 4 is 12, so the common denominator is 12.

The first step is to find a common denominator.

1/3 + 1/4 = 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.

To subtract fractions, ensure they have the same denominator. Then, subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

5/6 - 1/3 = 5/6 - 2/6 = 3/6 = 1/2.

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

A mixed number combines a whole number and a proper fraction, such as 1 1/2.