Addition & Subtraction of Fraction with Unlike Denominators

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number). For example, in the fraction 1/2, 1 is the numerator and 2 is the denominator.

Front

What does it mean to have unlike denominators in fractions?

Back

Unlike denominators are when the bottom numbers of two or more fractions are different. For example, in the fractions 1/4 and 1/3, the denominators 4 and 3 are unlike.

Front

How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

To add fractions with unlike denominators, first find a common denominator, convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with that common denominator, and then add the numerators.

Front

What is the first step in adding 1/8 and 2/3?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator for the fractions 1/8 and 2/3. The least common denominator (LCD) of 8 and 3 is 24.

Front

Convert 1/8 to a fraction with a denominator of 24.

Back

To convert 1/8 to a fraction with a denominator of 24, multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3: 1/8 = 3/24.

Front

Convert 2/3 to a fraction with a denominator of 24.

Back

To convert 2/3 to a fraction with a denominator of 24, multiply both the numerator and denominator by 8: 2/3 = 16/24.

Front

What is the sum of 3/24 and 16/24?

Back

The sum of 3/24 and 16/24 is 19/24. You add the numerators: 3 + 16 = 19.

Front

What is the process of finding a common denominator called?

Back

The process of finding a common denominator is called 'finding the least common multiple' (LCM) of the denominators.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction. For example, 1 1/2 is a mixed number.

Front

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

Back

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder is the new numerator.