Steps
What is the first step when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Find the common denominator (LCM)
4/7+4/7=
1 1/7
3/4+ 3/8=
3 3/4+ 1 5/8=
5 3/8
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=
7/19
3/4 + 4/12=
1 1/12
4 3/5 + 2 5/6=
7 13/30
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
1/5 + 1/3=
8/15
5 1/2 + 1 3/4=
7 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=
3
3/5+ 8/10=
1 2/5
1 1/8 + 1 1/3=
2 1/2
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=
2
2/3 + 5/6=
3
3 1/4+ 3 1/6=
6 5/12
What is a common denominator?
two or more fractions have the same denominator