Steps
What is the first step when adding or subtracting unlike denominators?
Line up the problem vertically
1/2 + 1/4
3/4
1/2 - 1/4
1/4
6 1/3 - 3 1/12
3 3/12 (simplified 3 1/4)
What is a denominator?
The number below the line in a fraction.
What is the second step when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Find the least common denominator (LCD)
1/6 + 2/3
5/6
2/3 - 1/6
3/6 (simplified- 1/2)
3 3/4 - 3 5/8
1/8
What is a numerator?
The number above the line in a fraction.
What is the third step when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Make an equivalent fraction
1/5 + 3/10
5/10 (simplified- 1/2)
1/5 - 1/10
1/10
4 2/3 - 3 2/5
What does equivalent mean?
Equal in value.
What is the fourth step when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
6/12 + 2/6
2/12 (simplified- 1/6)
2/4 - 2/8
2/8 (simplified 1/4)
10 1/3 - 4 4/21
6 3/21 (simplified- 6 1/7)
What does simplify mean?
To reduce a fraction to its simplest form.
What is the fifth step when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Simplify the fraction
2/7 + 7/14
11/14
4/6 - 1/12
7/12
11 5/6 - 5 1/2
6 2/6 (simplified- 6 1/3)
What is a common denominator?
When the bottom number of the fraction is the same for both fractions.