| ADDING AND SUBTRACTING FRACTIONS You can only add or subtract fractions with common denominators. To get common denominators you must 1. find the smallest number that all the denominators in your problem will divide into evenly Example 2/3 + 1/4 ? HINT: List the multiples of the largest denominator In our example that would be 4. The multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, . . . Find the smallest multiple of the largest denominator that the other denominators divide into evenly In our example 3 does not divide evenly into 4, therefore 4 is not the common denominator 3 does not divide evenly into 8, therefore 8 is not the common denominator 3 does divide evenly into 12, therefore 12 is the common denominator 2. Rewrite the equivalent to all the fractions with the common denominator Example 2/3 = ?/12 + 1/4 = ?/12 HINT: To find the equivalent fraction think, "What number do I multiply the original denominator by in each fraction to get the common denominator?" Then multiply the numerator of that fraction by the same number to get the equivalent numerator. 2 * 4 = 8 3 * 4 = 12 1 * 3 = 3 4 * 3 = 12 3. Then add or subtract numerators only. The demonimator of your answer will always be the common denominator. 2/3 = 8/12 + 1/4 = 3/12 11/12 Now it is time to practice finding equivalent fractions. Go to the Quiz Lab at the FUNBRAIN site, enter our class secret word math 01 (don't forget the space between the h and 0), and your first and last name, and then take practice quiz ADDING AND SUBTRACTING FRACTIONS |
| Below are the notes on the topics we have covered in class. Please use these note to help you do your homework and study for your tests. |
| APPLIED MATH I |
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