how you can add and subtract unlike fractions

Question

I want to know how you can add and subtract unlike fractions and too in simplest form...

Answer 1

In order to add and subtract fractions you have to first find a common denominator.

 

For example:

 

1/4 + 2/3 = ?

 

You will want to find a common denominator for these fractions. In this case the common denominator is 12.

 

3/12 + 8/12

 

I got these by asking myself "what do i need to multiply the bottom or denominator by in order to get 12. For 1/4 that is 3. 3 * 4 = 12. You will also multiply the top by 3. This gives you 3/12.

For 2/3, you need to multiply 3 by 4 in order to get 12. You will then need to multiply the top by 4 as well 

2 * 4 = 8

 

Now that you have a common denominator you cen then just add up the tops.

 

(3 + 8) / 12

 

This gives you 11/12.

 

This process for subtracting is the same. Hope this helps :)

Answer 2

1/2+1/3= you can't add them together.  Against the rules.

 

0.5+0.3333333333333....=0.8333333333......... you can combine them as decimals.  However, sometimes you need to have them stay fractions.

 

1/2 X 3/3=3/6         1/3 X 2/2=2/6

 

Multiply the fractions by the denominator of the other fraction over itself.

 

3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6

 

5/6=0.83333333333