Steps
What is the first step when solving adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Find a common denominator.
1/2 + 1/4
3/4
1/2 - 1/4
1/4
What is a denominator?
The number below the line in a fraction.
What is the second step when adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Find equivalent fractions
1/6 + 2/3
5/6
2/3 - 1/6
1/2
What is a numerator?
The number above the line in a fraction.
What is the third step when adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Add or subtract
1/15 + 3/10
11/30
1/5 - 1/10
1/10
What does equivalent mean?
Equal in value or the same in value.
What is the fourth step when adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Simplify or reduce
1 2/5 + 2 3/20
3 11/20
5 4/5 - 2 3/4
3 1/20
What does simplify mean?
To reduce a fraction to it's simplest form or make the fraction as small as possible.
What is the fifth step with adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Check your answer/work
5 2/6 + 3 3/5
8 14/15
4 1/5 - 5 3/7
-1 8/35
What is a common denominator?
When the bottom number of the fraction is the same for both fractions.