Adding and Subtracting Fractions with 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). For example, in the fraction 1/2, 1 is the numerator and 2 is the denominator.

Front

What does it mean to have unlike denominators?

Back

Unlike denominators are denominators that are not the same. For example, in the fractions 1/4 and 1/3, the denominators 4 and 3 are unlike.

Front

How do you find a common denominator for two fractions?

Back

To find a common denominator, you can multiply the denominators together or find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.

Front

What is the least common multiple (LCM)?

Back

The least common multiple (LCM) of two or more numbers is the smallest number that is a multiple of each of the numbers.

Front

How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

To add fractions with unlike denominators, first find a common denominator, convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with that denominator, and then add the numerators.

Front

What is the first step in subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

The first step is to find a common denominator for the fractions.

Front

What is an example of adding fractions with unlike denominators?

Back

For example, to add 1/4 and 1/3, find the common denominator (12), convert to 3/12 and 4/12, then add to get 7/12.

Front

What is the process of simplifying a fraction?

Back

Simplifying a fraction means reducing it to its simplest form by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The greatest common factor (GCF) is the largest number that divides two or more numbers without leaving a remainder.

Front

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

Back

To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place that result over the original denominator.