Adding & Subtracting Fractions (Negative & Positive)

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

How do you add fractions with the same denominator?

Back

Add the numerators and keep the denominator the same. 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. Example: 3/5 - 1/5 = (3-1)/5 = 2/5.

Front

What is the first step in adding fractions with different denominators?

Back

Find a common denominator for both fractions.

Front

How do you find a common denominator?

Back

The common denominator is usually the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.

Front

What is the process for adding fractions with different denominators?

Back

Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator, then add the numerators.

Front

What happens when you add a positive fraction and a negative fraction?

Back

You combine the values, taking into account their signs. Example: 1/2 + (-1/4) = 1/2 - 1/4 = 1/4.

Front

What is the result of subtracting a negative fraction from a positive fraction?

Back

Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive. Example: 3/4 - (-1/4) = 3/4 + 1/4 = 4/4 = 1.

Front

How do you simplify a fraction?

Back

Divide the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

Front

What is an improper fraction?

Back

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. Example: 9/4.