Adding & Subtracting Fractions

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). For example, 1/2 means one part out of two equal parts.

Front

What does it mean to add fractions?

Back

Adding fractions means combining two or more fractions to find a total. To add fractions, they must have the same denominator (the bottom number). If they don't, you need to find a common denominator first.

Front

What is a common denominator?

Back

A common denominator is a number that is a multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions. It allows you to add or subtract fractions easily.

Front

How do you find a common denominator for 1/4 and 1/6?

Back

The least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 6 is 12. So, the common denominator for 1/4 and 1/6 is 12.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

How do you convert 1/4 to a fraction with a denominator of 12?

Back

To convert 1/4 to a fraction with a denominator of 12, multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3. So, 1/4 = 3/12.

Front

What is the process for adding 1/4 and 1/6?

Back

1. Find a common denominator (12). 2. Convert fractions: 1/4 = 3/12 and 1/6 = 2/12. 3. Add the numerators: 3 + 2 = 5. 4. Write the result: 5/12.

Front

What does it mean to subtract fractions?

Back

Subtracting fractions means taking one fraction away from another. Like addition, the fractions must have the same denominator to subtract them directly.

Front

How do you subtract 3/4 from 5/4?

Back

Since the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators: 5 - 3 = 2. The result is 2/4, which simplifies to 1/2.

Front

What is an improper fraction?

Back

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator, such as 5/4.