Adding and Subtracting Fractions

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 add fractions?

Back

Adding fractions involves combining the parts represented by the fractions. If the denominators are the same, add the numerators. If they are different, find a common denominator first.

Front

What does it mean to subtract fractions?

Back

Subtracting fractions involves taking away the parts represented by the second fraction from the first. If the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators. If they are different, find a common denominator first.

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 adding or subtracting.

Front

What is an improper fraction?

Back

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

Divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder over the original denominator is the fraction.

Front

What is the first step in adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators?

Back

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

Front

What is the result of 6½ - 2⅔?

Back

3 5/6.

Front

What is the sum of 2/5 and 3/20?

Back

17/20.