Adding and Subtracting Fractions - Word Problems

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

Front

What does the numerator in a fraction represent?

Back

The numerator represents the number of parts we have.

Front

What does the denominator in a fraction represent?

Back

The denominator represents the total number of equal parts in a whole.

Front

How do you add fractions with the same denominator?

Back

Add the numerators and keep the denominator the same. For example, 1/4 + 2/4 = (1+2)/4 = 3/4.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with the same denominator?

Back

Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same. For example, 3/4 - 1/4 = (3-1)/4 = 2/4.

Front

How do you add fractions with different denominators?

Back

Find a common denominator, convert the fractions, then add the numerators. For example, 1/4 + 1/8 = 2/8 + 1/8 = 3/8.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with different denominators?

Back

Find a common denominator, convert the fractions, then subtract the numerators. For example, 3/4 - 1/8 = 6/8 - 1/8 = 5/8.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a fraction, like 1 1/2.

Front

What is an improper fraction?

Back

An improper fraction has a numerator that is greater than or equal to the denominator, like 5/4.

Front

How can you convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

Back

Divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder is the new numerator.