Adding fractions with the same denominator

If the denominators are the same then adding fractions is straightforward.

Exercise 1

Adding fractions with different denominators

If the denominators of the fractions are not the same, the process is a little more complicated. Before adding them we need to replace one of them or both of them with equivalent fractions so that we have the same denominator on each fraction

Worked Example

• 3/5 + 1/10
• 3/4 + 2/3

Exercise 2

Subtracting Fractions

Subtracting fractions follows the same principles as adding them.

Worked Example

1. Find 7/12 – 5/12
2. Calculate 3/4 – 2/3

Exercise 3

Answers to all three exercises

Adding and subtracting Mixed Fractions

To add or subtract mixed fractions, we should first convert them into improper fractions, then do the addition or subtraction, then at the end convert them back into mixed fractions.

Let’s try a few with the teacher before doing the exercise.

Exercise

Answers