Adding/Subtracting Fractions Step 1: Find common denominator NOTE: If the denominators are the same go to Step 3 Step 2: Change fractions into equivalent fractions with same denominator Step 3: Add/Subtract the numerator Step 4: Carry across the denominator Step 5 Ensure nothing can be simplified
RULE: Parentheses has a mathematical symbol + between meaning to add the fractions. NOTE: The first fraction is positive, the second fraction is negative. Thus, this will be subtraction
Written as subtraction
LCD: Find least common denominator LCD: Evenly divides 18 and 6
How about 18? Change fraction to equivalent fractions with denominator of 18
Multiply by 1 does not change the fraction
No need for parentheses Subtract the numerators and carry the denominator
Look to see if anything can be simplified? Divide out a 2 in the numerator and denominator
Final answer