Master Adding and Subtracting Fractions: Steps for Different Denominators

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!