Fractions

Addition and Subtraction

The Rules for Adding and Subtracting Fractions:

1. The denominators must be the same number, if they are not, then a new denominator must be created by multiplying the two denominators.
2. Do not add the denominators if the denominators are already the same.
3. Simplify by dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number!

When Adding:

If the denominators are the same:

If the denominators are different:

*Don't forget to reduce your fractions!

When Subtracting:

Do the same steps, just change the addition signs, so subtraction signs.

Examples:

1. 1/2 + 3/2 = (1+3)/2 = 4/2 = 2.
2. 5/2 - 3/4 = ((5 x 4 ) - (3 x 2 )) / ( 2 x 4 ) = (20-6 )/ 8 = 14/8 which has the like divisor of 2 and reduces to 7/4.