Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions

Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions

Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions 150 150 SchoolTutoring Academy

Fractions with different denominators are unlike fractions. They cannot be added or subtracted as they are.  They are to be converted to like fractions first which have common denominator. Then the new numerators are added or subtracted and the result is the sum of the numerators over the common denominator.

There is a simple rule which can be used to add or subtract any two fractions.  For numerator, multiply the numerator of each fraction by the denominator of the other fraction and add (or subtract) the two products. Multiply the denominators to get the denominator of the final fraction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The most common method used to add or subtract unlike fractions is by finding the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators for common denominator. Change the fractions to equivalent fractions so that both the fractions have the same denominators. Add the new numerator and write the result over the common denominator. If needed simplify the resultant fraction.

Example,

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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