Understanding Fractions with Unlike Denominators

This video tutorial explains how to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators. It emphasizes the importance of finding a common denominator, either the least common denominator or any common denominator, to perform the operations. The tutorial provides examples and visual models to illustrate the process and demonstrates alternative methods for finding common denominators. Simplification of results is also covered.

Why is it necessary to have a common denominator when adding or subtracting fractions?

• To convert fractions to decimals

• To ensure the fractions are of the same size

• To simplify the fractions

• To make the numerators equal

What is the least common denominator?

• The smallest number that is a multiple of both denominators

• The difference between the two denominators

• The largest number that divides both denominators

• The sum of the two denominators

How do you convert 1/2 to have a denominator of 6?

• Add 4 to the denominator

• Divide the numerator by 2

• Subtract 1 from the numerator

• Multiply both numerator and denominator by 3

What is the simplified form of the fraction 2/6?

• 1/3

• 2/3

• 1/6

• 1/2

In the visual model, what does partitioning the rectangle into six equal parts demonstrate?

• That 1/2 is equivalent to 3/6

• That 3/6 is larger than 5/6

• That 5/6 is larger than 1/2

• That 1/2 is equivalent to 5/6

What is the result of subtracting 3/6 from 5/6?

• 1/3

• 2/3

• 2/6

• 1/6

How can you find a common denominator that is not the least common denominator?

• By multiplying the two denominators

• By adding the two denominators

• By subtracting the smaller denominator from the larger one

• By dividing the larger denominator by the smaller one

What is the equivalent fraction of 5/6 when using a common denominator of 12?

• 11/12

• 6/12

• 5/12

• 10/12

What is the simplified form of 4/12?

• 1/2

• 1/6

• 1/3

• 1/4

Why might using the product of the denominators as a common denominator require extra steps?

• It often requires additional simplification

• It changes the value of the fractions

• It makes the fractions harder to compare

• It results in larger numerators