Rules for Working with Fractions

Estimating with Fractions

 Fractions – round the fraction to 0, ½ or 1
 Mixed numbers –
 If the fraction is less than ½, drop the fraction and leave the whole number
as your answer.
 If the fraction is ½ or more, change the whole number up to the next whole
number (and that is your answer).

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

To add or subtract fractions with like (the same) denominators – Add or
subtract the numerators and keep the same denominator.

To add or subtract fractions with unlike (different) denominators –

1. Rename the fractions using the least common denominator (LCD).
2. Then add or subtract the fractions as you do with like denominators.

To add or subtract mixed numbers,

1. Add or subtract the fractions. If they have different denominators,
rename the fractions using the least common denominator (LCD).
2. Add or subtract the whole numbers.

Multiplying Fractions and Mixed Numbers

 To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators and multiply the
denominators.
 To multiply mixed numbers, rename each mixed number as an improper
fraction. Then multiply.

Hint: you can cross cancel the fractions before you multiply.

Dividing Fractions and Mixed Numbers

 To divide fractions, flip the second fraction (write its multiplicative inverse)
and multiply.
 To divide when you have a mixed number, rename the mixed number as an
improper fraction. (Then, flip the second fraction and multiply.)
Remember, when adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing fractions and mixed
numbers, the answer must be written in simplest form.