Steps
What is the 1st step when solving addition and subtraction problems with unlike denominators?
Find a common denominator.
1 (1/4)
+3 (2/6)
4 (7/12)
3/5 - 1/7 =
16/35
8/9 - 3/10 =
53/90
What is the 2nd step when adding/subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Find equivalent fractions using the new denominator.
3 (5/6) - 1 (1/4) =
2 (7/12)
2/4 + 3/9 =
5/6
12/20 + 10/15 =
1 4/15
What is the 3rd step when adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Add or subtract the numerators.
15 (2/5) - 7 (1/6) =
8 (7/30)
5/10 - 1/3 =
1/6
8/20 - 3/15 =
1/5
What is the 4th step when adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Change improper fractions to mixed numbers.
5 (3/5) + 11 (1/8) =
16 (29/40)
4/5- 3/8 =
17/40
10/15 + 3/9 =
1
What is the 4th step when adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Simplify.
3 (1/5) + 9 (1/4) =
12 (9/20)
20/40 + 30/60 =
1
8/12 + 17/20 =
1 31/60