Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions

Sure, here's how to add and subtract unlike fractions:

Step 1: Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) Unlike fractions are fractions with different denominators. To add or subtract them, you first need to find the least common denominator, which is the smallest number that both denominators can divide into evenly.

Step 2: Convert to Like Fractions Once you have the LCD, you can convert the unlike fractions to like fractions. To do this, divide the LCD by the denominator of each fraction, then multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the result.

Step 3: Add or Subtract the Fractions Now that you have like fractions, you can add or subtract them. To add, simply add the numerators together and keep the denominator the same. To subtract, subtract the second numerator from the first and keep the denominator the same.

Step 4: Simplify the Fraction Finally, simplify the fraction if necessary. To do this, find the greatest common factor of the numerator and denominator and divide both by it.

Let's take an example:

1/4 - 2/3

Step 1: The LCD of 4 and 3 is 12.

Step 2: Convert to like fractions. 1/4 becomes 3/12 and 2/3 becomes 8/12.

Step 3: Subtract the fractions. 3/12 - 8/12 = -5/12.

Step 4: The fraction -5/12 is already in its simplest form, so we're done. The answer is -5/12.