When adding or subtracting fractions you must first make sure you find a?

Answer 1

A common denominator.

Steps to take for addition/subtraction of fractions.

#1 ; Bring to improper(top heavy) fractions.

#2 ; Bring to a common denominator by making equivalent fractions.

#3 ; Add/subtract the numerators(top number).

#4 ; Bring back to a mixed number by dividing the denominator into the numerator.

An example.

5 2/3 +/- 7 7/8

#1 ; 17/3 +/- 63/8

#2 ; NB 24 is the common denominator (3 x 8).

136/24 +/- 189/8

#3 ; 325/24 & 53/24

#4 ; 13 13/24 & 2 5/24 The answer(s). !!!!

NB For multiplication of fractions.

Steps to take

#1 ; Bring to improper(top heavy) fractions.

#2 ; Cancel down as appropriate

#3 ; Multiply the numerators together, and then multiply the denominators together.

#4 ; . Brind back to a mixed fraction.

Using the same fraction as an example

5 2/3 X 7 7/8

17/3 X 63/8

Cancel down by '3'

17/1 X 21/8 =

357/8

44 5/8 The answer !!!!

For division of fractions , the steps to take are the same except for one very important step, which we'll call it #1a.

#1 ; Bring to improper(top heavy) fractions.

#1a ; VERY IMPORTANT ' ; change the sign to multiply and invert (turn over) the right hand fraction.

#2 ; Cancel down as appropriate

#3 ; Multiply the numerators together, and then multiply the denominators together.

#4 ; . Brind back to a mixed fraction.

Using the same numbers again/

5 2/3 Divide 7 7/8

Thus

17/3 divide 63/8

IMPORTANT STEP

17/3 X 8/63 NOTE what has happened.

We now cancel down . However, these numbers do not cancel down , so we apply #3 for multiplication.

136/189

#4 for multiplication ; these numbers do not cancel down , and so 136/189 remains as the fractional answer.

Hope that helps!!!!!

Answer 2

common denominator