Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Fraction Addition and Subtraction: Problem Type 1



Hi, today's post will be a lesson on fractions.  That is, we will learn how to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator.  First of all, we must consider whole numbers.  Every whole number can be written as a fraction.  For instance, 4 can be written as 4/1, and be the same number.  This works for any whole number.  Second of all, lets define fractions.  A fraction consists of a top and bottom number, with the top number known as the numerator and the bottom number known as the denominator.  When adding and subtracting fractions, you may want to keep this in mind.  In order to show you how to go about adding fractions with the same denominator, let me give you an example.  To add 2/7 + 3/7, you first notice that your denominators are the same, which are 7's.  So, all you need to do is add your numerators 2 and 3 together.  So your answer is 5/7.  It's very simple!  How about 1/6 + 3/6? You will add your 3 and 1 and then keep your 6.  So your answer will be 4/6, or if you simplify further, you notice that 2 is divisible by both 4 and 6, and so you can reduce 4/6 to 2/3.  Make sense? 
So, overall, here is the key to adding fractions with the same denominator: Add your numerators and keep your denominator.  Do not add your denominators together.  In order to subtract fractions with the same denominator, you take the same steps as you did to add fractions with like denominators, but you SUBTRACT!  Let's do one example to make sure that you are confident in yourself when you work on these example problems provided at the end of this post.  Tell me what 7/15 - 5/15 is.  All you have to do is subtract 7-5 and keep your denominator since both denominators are the same.  So, your final answer should be 2/15!

Thanks for reading, and hopefully that the following links and worksheet will help you practice and grasp the concept better =)

Fraction practice game
For more info on subtracting and simplifying fractions

Note: For the second link, only read up until reducing fractions.




      

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