Adding and Subtracting Unlike Denominators

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 have unlike denominators?

Back

Unlike denominators are denominators that are not the same. For example, in the fractions 1/3 and 2/5, the denominators 3 and 5 are unlike.

Front

How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

To add fractions with unlike denominators, first find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then add the numerators.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

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

Front

What is a common denominator?

Back

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

Front

What is the first step in adding 1/3 and 2/5?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator, which for 3 and 5 is 15.

Front

Convert 1/3 to a fraction with a denominator of 15.

Back

1/3 = 5/15.

Front

Convert 2/5 to a fraction with a denominator of 15.

Back

2/5 = 6/15.

Front

What is the sum of 5/15 and 6/15?

Back

5/15 + 6/15 = 11/15.

Front

If you have 1/4 and 1/10, what is the common denominator?

Back

The common denominator for 4 and 10 is 20.