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      Adding or Subtracting Unlike Fractions

      Adding Unlike Fractions

      Steps

      1.   Find the LCM (Least Common Multiple) of the denominators of the given fractions.

      2.   Convert the given fractions to equivalent fractions with denominator equal to the LCM (least common multiple) obtained in Step 1.

      3.   Find the new numerator by adding the numerators of the given fractions.

      4.   Retain the (common) denominator.

      5.   Write the new numerator over the denominator.

              6.   Simplify the fraction if required.



      Subtracting Unlike Fractions

      Steps

      1.     Find the LCM (Least Common Multiple) of the denominators of the given fractions.

      2.     Convert the given fractions to equivalent fractions with denominator equal to the LCM (least common multiple) obtained in Step 1.

      3.     Find the new numerator by subtracting the smaller numerator from the bigger numerator.

      4.     Retain the (common) denominator.

      5.     Write the new numerator over the denominator.

      6.     Simplify the fraction if required.

       



      How do we add or subtract mixed fractions?

      First convert mixed fractions into improper fraction, then add or subtract the fractions.






       

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