Adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators worksheets pdf

Adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators

Learning addition and subtraction of fractions is a very important skill for students during their school journey. In this article, we are sharing some fantastic adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators worksheets pdf.

These worksheets are very helpful for your children or students during 3rg grade to 6th grade. They will learn basic fundamentals of fraction addition and subtraction.

What is fraction addition and subtraction?

Adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators worksheets pdf are designed to support early learning of basic operations. These worksheets can be used for practice purpose as well.

Therefore, students can not only enhance their knowledge of fractions but also it increases their level of understanding of fraction addition and subtraction.

Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators

We have to follow a few steps to ensure accurate calculations during fraction addition operations.

Steps	Operations
Find a common denominator -step 1:	First, we need to identify a common denominator for the fractions we are adding. This is a smallest number by which each denominator can divide into evenly.
Equivalent fractions – step 2:	Now, we have to convert fractions into equivalent fractions with the common denominator found in above step 1.
Add the numerators – step 3:	Now, we need to add the numerators of the equivalent fractions found in step 2. Denominator will remain same as step 2.
Simplification – step 4:	Finally, if needed then we have to simplify the resulting fraction by reducing it to simplest form.

Examples

Example 1: Let’s add 1/4 and 7/8 fractions.

Firstly, we need to identify the common denominator of 4 and 8 is 8.

Secondly, convert both fractions into equivalent fractions to have common denominator of 12.

• 1/4 becomes 2/8 (multiply both numerator and denominator by 2).
• 7/8 will remain same.

Thirdly, add the numerators (2/8) + (7/8) = 9/8

Lastly, 9/8 is in its simplest form.

Example 2: Let’s add 1/4 and 2/3 fractions.

• Common denominator of 4 and 3 is 12.
• Convert both fraction into equivalent fractions.
  • 1/4 becomes 3/12 (numerator and denominator is multiplied by 3).
  • 2/3 becomes 8/12 (numerator and denominator is multiplied by 4).
• Add the numerators (3/12) + (8/12) = 11/12.
• 11/12 is simplest from.

Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators

The steps to find accurate fractions subtraction are similar to addition. Except for step 3, because here, we have to do subtraction instead of adding the numerators.

Example 1: Let’s subtract 2/5 from 3/8.

• Common denominator of 5 and 8 is 40.
• Convert both fraction into equivalent fractions.
  • 2/5 becomes 16/40 (numerator and denominator is multiplied by 8).
  • 3/8 becomes 15/40 (numerator and denominator is multiplied by 5).
• Subtract the numerators (16/40) – (15/40) = 1/40.
• 1/40 is in its simplest from.

Download Adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators worksheets PDF

Once your children or students have learnt how to add and subtract fractions, they can try practicing following adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators worksheets pdf.

Credits	Reference Links
mathmonks.com	Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
mathmonks.com	Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Different Denominators
www.math-salamanders.com	Adding Subtracting Fractions
www.homeschoolmath.net	Add two unlike fractions
www.homeschoolmath.net	Worksheet on Adding and Subtracting Fractions

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