Adding and Subtracting Rational Numbers

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What is a rational number?

Back

A rational number is any number that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction of two integers, where the denominator is not zero.

Front

How do you add two rational numbers with the same sign?

Back

When adding two rational numbers with the same sign, you add their absolute values and keep the common sign.

Front

What is the process for adding rational numbers with different signs?

Back

When adding rational numbers with different signs, you subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value and take the sign of the number with the larger absolute value.

Front

What is the first step in subtracting rational numbers?

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The first step in subtracting rational numbers is to change the subtraction to addition by adding the opposite of the second number.

Front

What does it mean to find a common denominator?

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Finding a common denominator means identifying a common multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions so that they can be added or subtracted.

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

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To find the least common denominator (LCD), list the multiples of each denominator and identify the smallest multiple that appears in both lists.

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What is the result of adding two rational numbers with different signs?

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The result of adding two rational numbers with different signs can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on the absolute values of the numbers.

Front

What is the rule for subtracting rational numbers with the same sign?

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When subtracting rational numbers with the same sign, you subtract their absolute values and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.

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How can you check your work after adding or subtracting rational numbers?

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You can check your work by estimating the result and ensuring it makes sense based on the numbers involved.

Front

What is an example of adding two rational numbers with the same sign?

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An example is adding 3/4 and 1/4, which equals 1 (or 4/4).