How to Add and Subtract Like Fractions

Adding and subtracting like fractions is a simple process that involves combining or separating the numerators while leaving the denominators the same. Here are the steps to follow:

Adding like fractions: 1. Make sure the denominators of the fractions are the same. If they are not, find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators and convert the fractions to have the same denominator. 2. Add the numerators of the fractions together. 3. Write the sum over the common denominator.

For example, to add 1/4 and 3/4: 1. The denominators are already the same, so no conversion is needed. 2. Add the numerators: 1 + 3 = 4. 3. Write the sum over the common denominator: 4/4 or simplified to 1.

Subtracting like fractions: 1. Make sure the denominators of the fractions are the same. If they are not, find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators and convert the fractions to have the same denominator. 2. Subtract the numerators of the fractions. 3. Write the difference over the common denominator.

For example, to subtract 2/5 from 3/5: 1. The denominators are already the same, so no conversion is needed. 2. Subtract the numerators: 3 - 2 = 1. 3. Write the difference over the common denominator: 1/5.

It is important to simplify the fraction after adding or subtracting. To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).