Steps
Like Denominators
Unlike Denominators Easy
Unlike Denominators Medium
Unlike Denominators Hard
100

What is the 1st step when solving addition and subtraction problems with unlike denominators?

Draw the X Method

100
1/2 + 1/2 =
2/2
100
1/4 + 2/6
14/24
100
3/5 + 1/7 =
26/35
100
2/9 + 3/10 =
47/90
200

What is the 2nd step when adding/subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

Multiply the numbers in each side of the x that are circled

200
1/4 + 2/4 =
3/4
200
1/1 + 1/6 =
7/6
200
2/4 + 3/9 =
30/36
200
12/20 + 10/15 =
380/300
300

What is the 3rd step when adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

Find denominator by multiplying current denominators

300
1/5 + 3/5 =
4/5
300
2/5 + 1/6 =
17/30
300
5/10 + 1/3 =
25/30
300
8/20 + 3/15 =
260/300
400

What is the 4th step when adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

Add or subtract current numerator, this will be your new numerator.

400
6/12 + 4/12 =
10/12
400
3/5 + 1/8 =
29/40
400
1/8 + 3/5 =
29/40
400
10/15 + 3/9 =
135/135
500

What is the final step of the X method?

Denominator stays the same - copy denominator under new numerator

500
10/25 + 13/25 =
23/25
500
1/5 + 1/4 =
9/20
500
8/12 + 1/20 =
172/240
500
20/40 + 30/60 =
2400/2400
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