Adding and 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 denominators of two or more fractions are different from each other.

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

What is a common denominator?

Back

A common denominator is a number that is a multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions.

Front

How do you find the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest multiple that two or more denominators share.

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

Can you give an example of adding fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

Example: 1/3 + 1/4. The common denominator is 12. Convert to 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.

Front

What is the process of converting fractions to have a common denominator?

Back

Multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the necessary factor to reach the common denominator.

Front

What happens to the value of a fraction when you multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number?

Back

The value of the fraction remains the same because you are essentially multiplying by 1.

Front

How do you simplify a fraction?

Back

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).