Adding & Subtracting Fractions

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to add fractions?

Back

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.

Front

What does it mean to subtract fractions?

Back

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

Front

What is a common denominator?

Back

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

Front

How do you find the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator is the smallest multiple that is common to the denominators of the fractions involved.

Front

What is the process for adding fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

1. Find the least common denominator (LCD). 2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD. 3. Add the numerators and keep the common denominator.

Front

What is the process for subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

1. Find the least common denominator (LCD). 2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD. 3. Subtract the numerators and keep the common denominator.

Front

What is an improper fraction?

Back

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