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Unfortunately, there is no "easy" way to add and subtract fractions, really-you always have to find a common denominator. If you can't be bothered finding one right away, it may at least be a bit easier to save this step for the end.
For example, instead of finding a common denominator before adding 4 / 13 and 22 / 42, start by simply multiplying the fractions by 42 / 42 and 13 / 13, respectively. This gives us 168/546 + 286/546 = 454/546. You can see that these are divisible by 2, so we have 227 / 273.
(Note that this is a somewhat situational example, in that the fraction cannot be reduced from 546 if some numbers are added, e.g. 546 is not divisible by 5, so 5/546 could be a final answer.)
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Do you add and subtract like and unlike fractions in the same way?
no, to add and subtract like and unlike fractions the denominator has to be the same,
How do you add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators without finding a common denominator?
The fastest and surest way to do that is to have a calculator that has a fraction button. (a b/c)
Why do you need you need to have a common dinominator before you add or subtract them?
What do you get when you add 1/2 and 1/4 ? You can't even do that simple addition without first changing both fractions to something common, even if you do it in your head and do it so fast that you don't realize you're doing it. The only answer to the question is simply: There's no way to add or subtract fractions if they don't have the same denominator, and if you do, then you get the wrong answer.
Why do you need like denominators to add and subtract fractions?
Finding a common denominator makes it possible to add two fractions because it allows us to write each fraction as a multiple of a common (usually smaller) fraction. Subtracting fractions works the same way; find a common denominator so that the fractions involved are in the same terms.
How do you add and subtract mixed numbers with unlike denominators?
just change the fration with the smallest denominator and add or subtract the way you always do.
