Steps
What is the first step when solving adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Write the problem horizontally (Next to each other)
1/2 + 1/4=
3/4
1/2 - 1/4=
1/4
3/4 + 2/3=
17/12 OR 1 5/12
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.
1/6 + 2/3=
5/6
2/3 - 1/6=
3/6 OR 1/2
1/4 + 5/12=
8/12 OR 2/3
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?
1/5 + 3/10=
5/10 OR 1/2
1/5 - 1/10=
1/10
2/4 + 4/16=
12/16 OR 3/4
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.
6/12 + 2/6=
14/12 OR 1 2/12 Or 1 1/6
2/4 - 2/8=
2/8 OR 1/4
3/5 - 4/15=
5/15 OR 1/3
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
4/6 - 1/12=
7/12
2/7 - 2/21=
4/21
What is a common denominator?
When the bottom number of the fraction is the same for both fractions.