Adding and Subtracting Unlike Denominators

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole and is written as 'a/b', where 'a' is the numerator (part) and 'b' is the denominator (whole).

Front

What does it mean to have unlike denominators?

Back

Unlike denominators are denominators in fractions that are not the same. For example, 1/3 and 1/5 have unlike denominators.

Front

How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

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

Front

How do you subtract fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

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

Front

What is the least common multiple (LCM)?

Back

The least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest multiple that two or more numbers share. It is used to find a common denominator.

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The greatest common factor (GCF) is the largest number that divides two or more numbers without leaving a remainder.

Front

Example: Add 1/3 and 2/5. What is the first step?

Back

The first step is to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators 3 and 5, which is 15.

Front

Example: Subtract 1/4 from 3/8. What is the first step?

Back

The first step is to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators 4 and 8, which is 8.

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 convert fractions to have a common denominator?

Back

To convert fractions to have a common denominator, multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the necessary factor to reach the common denominator.