Steps
What is the first step when solving adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Write the problem vertically (stack it up and down).
1 1
____ + ____ =
2 4
3
__
4
1 1
____ - ___ =
2 4
1
___
4
3 2
____ + ___ =
4 3
17
____
12
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?
See if you can turn one denominator into the other.
1 2
____ + ___ =
6 3
5
___
6
2 1
____ - ___ =
3 6
3
_____
6
1 5
____ + ___ =
4 12
8
______
12
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?
1 3
____ + ___ =
5 10
5
____
10
1 1
____ - ___ =
5 10
_____
10
2 4
____ + ___ =
4 16
12
____
16
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?
Add or Subtract the fractions.
6 2
____ + ___ =
12 6
2
_____
12
2 2
____ - ___ =
4 8
2
___
8
3 4
____ - ___ =
5 15
5
____
15
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?
Simplify or turn into a mixed number if needed.
2 7
____ + ___ =
7 14
11
_____
14
4 1
____ - ___ =
6 12
7
___
12
2 2
____ - ___ =
7 21
4
_____
21
What is a common denominator?
When the bottom number of the fraction is the same for both fractions.