Adding and Subtracting Fractions with unlike denominators

A fraction represents a part of a whole and is written as $$\frac{a}{b}$$ , where 'a' is the numerator (the part) and 'b' is the denominator (the whole).

Unlike denominators are denominators that are not the same. For example, in $$\frac{1}{3}$$ and $$\frac{1}{4}$$ , 3 and 4 are unlike denominators.

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. For example, for $$\frac{1}{5}$$ and $$\frac{5}{6}$$ , the LCM of 5 and 6 is 30.

The first step is to find a common denominator for the fractions.

Multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the necessary factor to make the denominators equal.

1. Find a common denominator. 2. Convert each fraction. 3. Add the numerators. 4. Simplify if necessary.

The result is $$\frac{1}{3}$$ .

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a fraction, such as 1 $$\frac{1}{2}$$ .

Divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder is the new numerator over the original denominator.