Adding and Subtracting 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 denominators are the same, add the numerators. If they are different, find a common denominator first.

Front

What does it mean to subtract fractions?

Back

Subtracting fractions involves taking one fraction away from another. If the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators. If they are different, find a common denominator first.

Front

How do you find a common denominator?

Back

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the fractions you are adding or subtracting.

Front

What is the sum of 3/4 and 1/4?

Back

1 or 4/4.

Front

How do you add fractions with different denominators?

Back

1. Find a common denominator. 2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator. 3. Add the numerators and keep the common denominator.

Front

What is the sum of 11/12 and 1/6?

Back

1 1/12.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with the same denominator?

Back

Simply subtract the numerators and keep the same denominator.

Front

What is the difference between 15/16 and 12/16?

Back

3/16.

Front

How do you find the difference between fractions with different denominators?

Back

1. Find a common denominator. 2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator. 3. Subtract the numerators and keep the common denominator.