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Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Let’s begin by reviewing a few basic things about fractions.

Common Denominator in Fractions

In order to add or subtract fractions we must have a common denominator. This simply means that the denominators (the number on the bottom of the fractions) must be the same. If they are not the same, then we must find the least common multiple of all the denominators present in the problem.

Open Solve Addition and Subtraction Problems with Fractions in a new tab

You will want to note that once you have found a common denominator and written equivalent fractions, you only actually add or subtract the numerators.

Reduce Fractions

1 over 4 plus 1 over 4 equals 2 over 4 which reduces down to 1 over 2 (1/4+1/4=2/4=1/2)

We must always make sure that our answers are in simplest terms (that they cannot be reduced). In the problem above, we divided the numerator and denominator both by 2 to reduce to simplest terms.