Steps
What is the first step when solving adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Find common multiples of the denominators
1/2 + 1/4=
3/4
1/2 - 1/4=
1/4
3/4 + 2/3=
1 5/12
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?
Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM)
1/6 + 2/3=
5/6
2/3 - 1/6=
1/2
3/4 + 5/12=
1 1/6
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?
Find equivalent fractions so both denominators are the same
1/5 + 3/10=
1/2
1/5 - 1/10=
1/10
2/4 + 4/16=
3/4
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 or Subtract the numerator. Denominator stays the same. Regroup if needed in subtraction.
7/12 + 4/6=
1 1/4
2/4 - 2/8=
1/4
3/5 - 4/15=
1/3
What does simplify mean?
To reduce a fraction to it's simplest form or make the fraction as small as possible.
What is the fifth step with adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Simplify or turn into a mixed number if needed.
9/18 + 10/20=
1 Whole
4/6 - 1/12=
7/12
Can 5/14 be reduced?
No, because 5 is not a factor of 14.
What is a common denominator?
When the bottom number of the fraction is the same for both fractions.