Steps
What is the first step when solving adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Find the LCD
2 1
____ + ____ =
3 4
11
___
12
1 1
____ - ___ =
3 4
1
___
12
3 2
2 ____ + ___ =
4 3
41
____
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?
Create equivalent fractions with like denominators.
3 2
____ + ___ =
4 3
17
___
12
2 1
____ - ___ =
3 5
7
____
15
1 5
2 ____ + ___ =
4 6
74
______
24
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?
Add or subtract fractions with like denominators.
4 3
____ + ___ =
5 4
31
____
20
1 1
____ - ___ =
2 5
3
___
10
1 4
3 ____ + ___ =
4 5
81
____
20
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 whole number (If Needed).
6 5
____ + ___ =
7 6
71
_____
42
4 2
____ - ___ =
5 3
2
___
15
1 4
3 ____ - ___ =
5 6
76
____
30
What does simplify mean?
To reduce a fraction to it's simplest form.
What is the fifthth step when adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
SIMPLIFY/ CONVERT if possible
5 7
____ + ___ =
7 8
89
_____
56
5 1
____ - ___ =
7 3
8
___
21
2 2
4 ____ - 3 ___ =
6 3
12 2
_____ = _____
18 3
What is a common denominator?
When your denominators are the same value.