Adding and Subtracting Fractions

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).

Front

What does the numerator in a fraction represent?

Back

The numerator represents the number of parts we have.

Front

What does the denominator in a fraction represent?

Back

The denominator represents the total number of equal parts in a whole.

Front

How do you add fractions with the same denominator?

Back

Add the numerators and keep the denominator the same. Example: 1/4 + 2/4 = (1+2)/4 = 3/4.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with the same denominator?

Back

Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same. Example: 3/4 - 1/4 = (3-1)/4 = 2/4.

Front

What is an equivalent fraction?

Back

An equivalent fraction is a fraction that represents the same value as another fraction, even though the numerator and denominator are different. Example: 1/2 is equivalent to 2/4.

Front

How do you find a common denominator for adding fractions?

Back

Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. Example: For 1/3 and 1/4, the LCM is 12.

Front

What is the process to add fractions with different denominators?

Back

Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with a common denominator, then add the numerators.

Front

What is the process to subtract fractions with different denominators?

Back

Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with a common denominator, then subtract the numerators.

Front

What is the simplest form of a fraction?

Back

The simplest form of a fraction is when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. Example: 4/8 simplifies to 1/2.