Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators

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

Unlike denominators are when the denominators of two or more fractions are different, making it necessary to find a common denominator to add or subtract them.

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.

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

Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator, then add the numerators and keep the common denominator.

Similar to addition, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, then subtract the numerators.

$$\frac{1}{3}$$ .

$$\frac{1}{2}$$ .

$$8\frac{1}{12}$$ .

$$\frac{5}{24}$$ .