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, making it necessary to find a common denominator to add or subtract them.

Front

How do you find a common denominator?

Back

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the fractions you are working with.

Front

What is the first step in adding fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator for the fractions.

Front

What is the first step in subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator for the fractions.

Front

What is 1/2 + 1/3?

Back

5/6 (Common denominator is 6: 1/2 = 3/6 and 1/3 = 2/6, then add 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6).

Front

What is 3/4 - 1/2?

Back

1/4 (Common denominator is 4: 1/2 = 2/4, then subtract 3/4 - 2/4 = 1/4).

Front

What is the result of 2/5 + 1/10?

Back

3/10 (Common denominator is 10: 2/5 = 4/10, then add 4/10 + 1/10 = 5/10 = 1/2).

Front

What is the result of 5/6 - 1/3?

Back

1/2 (Common denominator is 6: 1/3 = 2/6, then subtract 5/6 - 2/6 = 3/6 = 1/2).

Front

What is the process of simplifying a fraction?

Back

Simplifying a fraction means reducing it to its lowest terms by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).