Adding and Subtracting Fractions (Like Denominators)

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Grade 8: The Learning Equation Math

12.02 Adding and Subtracting Fractions (Like Denominators)

Number Operations

Refresher pp 14-15

Learning Outcomes:

The student will:

add and subtract fractions concretely, pictorially, and symbolicall

$add_fract.gif (7290 bytes)$

Adding Proper/Improper Fractions with Like Denominators

addend + addend = sum

1. When the denominators are the same add the numerators together and place the sum over the like denominator.

2. Reduce to lowest terms

$subtract_fract.gif (7251 bytes)$

Subtracting Proper/Improper Fractions with Like Denominators

minuend - subtrahend = difference

1. When the denominators are the same subtract the subtrahend numerator from the minuend numerator and place the difference over the like denominator.

2. Reduce to lowest terms

Select Add OPERATION. Read the message before you close the direction box. The focus for this activity are on fractions with like denominators. Create two fractions that have the same denominator. The output at the bottom of the screen will show the solution with fraction strips and "pencil and paper" method.

Link: LearnAlberta

Richard E. Rand's web site, Visual Fractions, is a fantastic site for fraction investigation. The applets available on the site are very well designed and make fraction exploring fun. Permission was given to display an earlier version of the applet:

Adding Fractions with Same Denominators Instructions - A variety of answers is accepted.

First Addend and Second Addend must be entered before the Explain button works. If you need help writing proper fractions, check out: Identify Fractions.

Summary for adding fractions with like(common) denominators:

Add the numerators and place the sum over the common denominator.
Reduce to lowest terms and/or change to a mixed number as necessary.

From Richard E. Rand's: VISUAL FRACTIONS

Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators Instructions - A variety of answers is accepted.

Summary for subtracting fractions with like(common) denominators:

Subtract the second numerator from the first and place the difference over the common denominator.
Reduce to lowest terms and/or change to a mixed number as necessary.

Minuend and Subtrahend must be entered before the Explain button works. If you need help writing proper fractions, check out: Identify Fractions..

From Richard E. Rand's: VISUAL FRACTIONS