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

How do you add fractions with the same denominator?

Back

To add fractions with the same denominator, keep the denominator the same and add the numerators. For example, 1/4 + 2/4 = (1+2)/4 = 3/4.

Front

How do you add fractions with different denominators?

Back

To add fractions with different denominators, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then add the numerators. For example, 1/3 + 1/4 = 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.

Front

What is the process to subtract fractions?

Back

To subtract fractions, if they have the same denominator, subtract the numerators and keep the denominator. If they have different denominators, find a common denominator first.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder is the new numerator.

Front

What is the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator is the smallest multiple that two or more denominators share. It is used to add or subtract fractions.

Front

How do you simplify a fraction?

Back

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF). For example, 4/8 simplifies to 1/2.

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

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

Front

What is the first step in solving 8 2/4 - 3 2/3?

Back

Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions: 8 2/4 = 34/4 and 3 2/3 = 11/3.