Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying & Dividing 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

To add fractions, they must have a common denominator. If they don't, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then add the numerators.

Front

What does it mean to subtract fractions?

Back

To subtract fractions, they must have a common denominator. If they don't, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then subtract the numerators.

Front

How do you multiply fractions?

Back

To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. Simplify if possible.

Front

How do you divide fractions?

Back

To divide fractions, multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction (flip it) and then multiply the fractions.

Front

What is the reciprocal of a fraction?

Back

The reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by flipping the numerator and denominator.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

Divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder over the original denominator is the fraction.

Front

What is the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator is the smallest multiple that two or more denominators share.

Front

What is the first step in adding or subtracting fractions?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator if the fractions do not already have one.