FRACTIONS Basic Fractions Addition and Subtraction
FRACTIONS Fractions can be a lot of work. However, studying and practice can make any student a pro!!
BASIC FRACTION FACTS The top number of a fraction is called the numerator. The bottom number of a fraction is called the denominator. Fractions can be written like this-
MORE BASIC FRACTION FACTS Fractions can also be written as mixed numbers- 2 ½ or 3 2/7. Fractions are also seen written as improper, and this is when we convert to make the fraction proper- 8/3 or 6/2.
We already know how to convert fractions before addition and subraction!! Now we will take a look at how to add and subtract fractions with common denominators.
ADDING FRACTIONS When adding fractions with like denominators, the first thing you want to do is line the fractions up properly so that the problem is easier to read and solve. *notice how the first top number aligns with the second top number. *notice how the first bottom number aligns with the second bottom number
ADDING FRACTIONS The next step is to simply add the numerators but leave the the demoninators as the same number that is in the problem. The answer to this problem is easy. It is 5/6!
LETS TRY SOME MORE ADDITION PROBLEMS 1/3 + 2/3=3/3, which is equal to 1! 2/5 + 1/5=3/5 10/12 +4/12=14/12, which is improper! 1/4 + ¼=2/4, which is equal to ½.
SUBTRACTING FRACTIONS Now we move on to subtraction, which is very similar to addition. The first step is the same- line up the fractions so that the problem is easy to read and easy to solve. Then, the you simply subtract the numerators, while leaving the denominators as the same number that is in the problem.
NOW LETS TRY SOME SUBRACTION PROBLEMS 2/3 – 1/3 = 1/3 4/7 – 2/7 = 2/7 4/3 – 1/3 = 3/3, which is equal to 1! 10/12 – 8/12 = 4/12, which can be reduced.
Now, as anyone can see, fractions are very simple, especially when the denominators are the same. The more you practice and study your simple fraction problems, then the easier it will be for you to understand the more difficult problems.