Fractions adding and subtracting with models

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number). For example, in the fraction 1/2, 1 is the numerator and 2 is the denominator.

The numerator represents the number of parts we have.

The denominator represents the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.

To add fractions with the same denominator, keep the denominator the same and add the numerators. For example, $$\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1+2}{4} = \frac{3}{4}$$ .

To subtract fractions with the same denominator, keep the denominator the same and subtract the numerators. For example, $$\frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3-1}{4} = \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2}$$ .

The first step is to find a common denominator.

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.

For example, to add $$\frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{2}$$ , first convert $$\frac{1}{2}$$ to $$\frac{2}{4}$$ . Then, add: $$\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{3}{4}$$ .

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a fraction. For example, 1 1/2 is a mixed number.

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder is the numerator of the fraction.