Addition &

Subtraction of
Fraction
Can you name the parts of
a fraction?

3
 

?
numerator

?
denominator
4
What sort of fractions / numbers are
these:
 
7
?
proper fraction
8  
3
?
mixed number
2
8
 
9
?
improper fraction
7
Finding the Least Common Multiple (LCM)

Steps:
1. Write out the multiples of the first number.
2. Write out the multiples of the second number.
3. Find the smallest multiple that both numbers have in common.

Example: Example:
4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 2: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16

5: 5, 10, 15, 20 8: 8, 16, 20

LCM: 20 LCM: 8

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Adding Fractions with Unlike
Denominators
Step:
1. Determine the denominators
2. Find the least common multiple (LCM).
3. Your least common multiple will become your least common
denominator (LCD).
4. Generate Equivalent Fractions using the LCM as the LCD.
5. Add or Subtract Fractions.

Example:
1 1 1 4 1 3 3 4 7
1.      
LCM: 3 4 3 12 4 12 12 12 12
3: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
4: 4, 8, 12

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Lesson - Subtracting Fractions
with Unlike Denominators
Step:
1. Determine the denominators
2. Find the least common multiple (LCM).
3. Your least common multiple will become your least common
denominator (LCD).
4. Generate Equivalent Fractions using the LCM as the LCD.
5. Add or Subtract Fractions.

Example:

1. 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1
     
LCM: 2 4 2 4 4 4 4 4 4
2: 2, 4, 6
4: 4

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 Adding & Subtracting Fractions

The
‘Butterfly’ Method
 The “Butterfly” is a short-cut method used for
adding & subtracting any two fractions. The usual
method is called finding a “Common
Denominator”
Fractions: The Butterfly Method
2x5 4x3

2 4
+
3 5
Step 1:
Draw the wings
Fractions: The Butterfly Method

2 4
+
3 5 3 x 5 = 15

Step 2:
Multiply the denominators
Fractions: The Butterfly Method
2 x5 + 4x3

2 4 10 + 12 = 22

+
3 5 3 x 5 = 15

Step 3:
Compute the new numerators using the
Sign in the middle of the 2 fractions.
Fractions: The Butterfly Method
2 x5 + 4x3
22
2 4 15
+
3 5
Step 4:
Simplify the new fraction (answer).
 Practice Problems
4 3
1.  
7 8
2 9
2.  
5 4
2 8
3.   
3 5
 Try These

A D

B E

C F
 Try These

17 10
A 27 D 9

B 13 E 41
12 28

C 19 F 26
20 21
Multiplying
and Dividing
Fractions
Multiplying Fractions
 

2×3 6 1
 

×= 3×4
= 12 = 2

1. Multiply the numerators.

2. Multiply the denominators.
3. Cancel down.
Multiplying mixed numbers.
 

 
2× =
 
=
 
= ×

1. Change the mixed number to an improper

fraction.
2. Multiply as before.
3. Cancel down and change to mixed number
if necessary.
Multiplying fractions and whole numbers
 

12 × = × =
   

10
 

1. Whole numbers have a

denominator of 1.
2. Multiply numerators and
denominators.
3. Cancel down and change to a mixed
number if necessary.
Dividing Fractions
 

÷   3
1
  
= =
   
= ÷
×
1
3

1. Turn the dividing fraction upside down

and change ÷ to ×.
2. Multiply numerators and denominators.
3. If necessary cancel down and change to
a mixed number.
Dividing mixed numbers.
 

 
2÷ =
 
= × =
 
= ÷

1. Change the mixed number to an improper

fraction.
2. Divide as before.
3. Cancel down and change to a mixed
number if necessary.
The end