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

How do you add fractions with the same denominator?

Back

To add fractions with the same denominator, keep the denominator the same and add the numerators. For example, 1/4 + 2/4 = (1+2)/4 = 3/4.

Front

How do you add fractions with different denominators?

Back

To add fractions with different denominators, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then add the numerators. For example, 1/3 + 1/4 = 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place that over the original denominator. For example, 2 1/3 = (2*3 + 1)/3 = 7/3.

Front

What is the process for subtracting fractions?

Back

To subtract fractions, if they have the same denominator, subtract the numerators and keep the denominator. If they have different denominators, find a common denominator first.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with the same denominator?

Back

To subtract fractions with the same denominator, subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same. For example, 3/5 - 1/5 = (3-1)/5 = 2/5.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with different denominators?

Back

To subtract fractions with different denominators, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then subtract the numerators.

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

What is the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest common multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions.