Adding and Subtracting Unlike 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 fractions have the same denominator, you add the numerators. If they have different denominators, you must find a common denominator first.

Front

What is a common denominator?

Back

A common denominator is a number that is a multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions, allowing them to be added or subtracted.

Front

How do you find a common denominator for 1/4 and 1/3?

Back

The least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 3 is 12, so the common denominator is 12.

Front

What is the first step to adding unlike fractions?

Back

Find a common denominator for the fractions.

Front

What is the process to subtract fractions?

Back

To subtract fractions, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then subtract the numerators.

Front

What is the simplified form of 8/12?

Back

The simplified form of 8/12 is 2/3.

Front

How do you simplify a fraction?

Back

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator without leaving a remainder.

Front

What is 1/2 + 1/4?

Back

1/2 + 1/4 = 3/4.