Algebra 1

Dec 2, 2025

1 page

Master Adding and Subtracting Fractions: Steps for Different Denominators

calista 🪻 @urstrulycalista

Adding and subtracting fractions might seem tricky, but it's actually pretty simple once you understand the basic rules.... Show more

$-ADDING/SUBTRACTING FRACTIONS ehen adding or subtracting fractions you need to ask yourself I the two facictions have a common /same denomin$

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

When working with fractions, the first thing you need to check is whether the denominators (bottom numbers) are the same. If they already match, you can simply add or subtract the numerators (top numbers) while keeping the denominator the same.

For example, $\frac{4}{2} - \frac{5}{2} = \frac{-1}{2}$ or -0.5. Since both fractions have 2 as the denominator, we just subtract the numerators (4-5=-1) and keep the denominator.

When the denominators are different, you need to find a common denominator first. Multiply each fraction by the other's denominator. For example, with $\frac{4}{2} + \frac{5}{3}$ , multiply the first fraction by 3/3 and the second by 2/2 $\frac{4 \times 3}{2 \times 3} + \frac{5 \times 2}{3 \times 2} = \frac{12}{6} + \frac{10}{6} = \frac{22}{6} = \frac{11}{3}$

Remember The denominator tells you how many equal parts make up a whole, while the numerator tells you how many of those parts you have. Think of it like slices of pizza!

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Algebra 1

•

Dec 2, 2025

•

1 page

Master Adding and Subtracting Fractions: Steps for Different Denominators

calista 🪻

@urstrulycalista

Adding and subtracting fractions might seem tricky, but it's actually pretty simple once you understand the basic rules. The key is knowing what to do when the denominators (bottom numbers) are the same or different.

$-ADDING/SUBTRACTING FRACTIONS ehen adding or subtracting fractions you need to ask yourself I the two facictions have a common /same denomin$

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Adding and Subtracting Fractions

For example, $\frac{4}{2} - \frac{5}{2} = \frac{-1}{2}$ or -0.5. Since both fractions have 2 as the denominator, we just subtract the numerators (4-5=-1) and keep the denominator.

When the denominators are different, you need to find a common denominator first. Multiply each fraction by the other's denominator. For example, with $\frac{4}{2} + \frac{5}{3}$ , multiply the first fraction by 3/3 and the second by 2/2: $\frac{4 \times 3}{2 \times 3} + \frac{5 \times 2}{3 \times 2} = \frac{12}{6} + \frac{10}{6} = \frac{22}{6} = \frac{11}{3}$

Remember: The denominator tells you how many equal parts make up a whole, while the numerator tells you how many of those parts you have. Think of it like slices of pizza!