Adding and Subtracting Fractions

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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