Adding and Subtracting Fractions

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

The numerator is the top number of a fraction and represents how many parts we have.

The denominator is the bottom number of a fraction and represents the total number of equal parts in a whole.

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 subtract fractions with the same denominator, keep the denominator the same and subtract the numerators. For example, 3/5 - 1/5 = (3-1)/5 = 2/5.

When adding fractions with different denominators, first find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then add them.

A common denominator is a number that is a multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions, allowing them to be added or subtracted.

The least common multiple of 3 and 4 is 12. So, the common denominator is 12.

1/3 = 4/12 (multiply the numerator and denominator by 4).

1/4 = 3/12 (multiply the numerator and denominator by 3).