Adding and Subtracting Fractions

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 simplify a fraction?

Back

To simplify a fraction means to reduce it to its lowest terms, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.

Front

How do you add fractions with the same denominator?

Back

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.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with the same denominator?

Back

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.

Front

What is the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator is the smallest number that can be used as a common denominator for two or more fractions.

Front

How do you add fractions with different denominators?

Back

To add fractions with different denominators, first find the least common denominator, convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD, then add the numerators.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with different denominators?

Back

To subtract fractions with different denominators, find the least common denominator, convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD, then subtract the numerators.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a fraction, such as 1 1/2.

Front

How do you convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

Back

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder is the new numerator.

Front

What is the sum of 1/3 and 5/12?

Back

The sum is 1/3 + 5/12 = 4/12 + 5/12 = 9/12 = 3/4 after simplification.