Adding & Subtracting Fractions with UNLIKE Denominators

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 have unlike denominators?

Back

Unlike denominators are when the bottom numbers of two or more fractions are different.

Front

How do you find a common denominator for fractions?

Back

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.

Front

What is the least common multiple (LCM)?

Back

The least common multiple is the smallest number that is a multiple of two or more numbers.

Front

How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

1. Find a common denominator. 2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator. 3. Add the numerators and keep the common denominator.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

1. Find a common denominator. 2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator. 3. Subtract the numerators and keep the common denominator.

Front

What is an example of adding fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

Example: 1/3 + 1/4. Common denominator is 12. Convert: 1/3 = 4/12 and 1/4 = 3/12. So, 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.

Front

What is an example of subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

Example: 3/5 - 1/2. Common denominator is 10. Convert: 3/5 = 6/10 and 1/2 = 5/10. So, 6/10 - 5/10 = 1/10.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a 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 is the new numerator over the original denominator.