Page 2 - Add and Subtract Fractions

Fractions: Addition

& Subtraction

When adding fractions

1 Numerator

with different denominators
4 Denominator

1 5
Example: +
2 12

Step 1: Find the Lowest Common Multiple of both Denominators

2 x 1 = 2 2 x 2 = 4 2 x 3 = 6 2 x 4 = 8 2 x 5 = 10 2 x 6 = 12

12 x 1 = 12 12 x 2 = 24 12 x 3 = 36 12 x 4 = 48 12 x 5 = 60 12 x 6 = 72

12 is the Lowest Common Multiple

Calculate

1×6 + 5×1

2×6 12×1

6 5
= +
12 12

11
=
12

Proper Fraction Improper Fraction Mixed Numbers

Numerator is less than Numerator is more than Whole number and a
the denominator. the denominator. fraction combined.

7 2
3
5 5