Steps
What is the first step when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Find the common denominator (LCM)
4/7-4/7=
0
3/4-3/8=
3/8
3 3/4-1 5/8=
2 1/8
What is a denominator?
The number underneath the line in a fraction
What is the second step when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Write equivalent fractions with your new denominator
4/19-3/19=
1/19
3/4-4/13=
23/52
4 3/5-2 5/6=
1 23/30
What is a numerator?
The number above the line in a fraction
What is the third step when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denomiantors?
Add or subtract the numerator (keep the denominator)
1/4-3/4=
-1/2
1/5-1/3=
-2/15
5 1/2-1 3/4=
-1/4
What does equivalent mean?
Equal in value or same amount
What is the fourth step when adding or subtracting fraction with unlike denomiantors?
Simplify the fraction if needed
15/9-12/9=
1/3
1/5-8/10=
-3/5
1 1/8-1 1/3=
-5/24
What does simplify mean?
To reduce a fraction to it's simplest form
What is the fifth step when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
If improper, change to a mixed number fraction
-5/4-(-3/4)=
-1/2
-1/3-(-5/6)=
1/2
-3 1/4-(-3 1/6)=
-1/12
What is a common denominator?
two or more fractions have the same denominator