How to Add and Subtract Fractions Explained!

How can you add and subtract fractions with different denominators?

Welcome to this free lesson guide that accompanies this Adding and Subtracting Denominators with Unlike Denominators video lesson, where you will learn how to add and subtract fractions:

• Adding Fractions

• Subtracting Fractions

• Unlike Denominators

• How to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator

• How to add and subtract fractions with different denominators

This How to Add and Subtract Fractions with Unlike Denominators: Complete Guide includes several examples, a step-by-step tutorial, an animated video mini-lesson, and a free worksheet and answer key.

*This lesson guide accompanies our animated Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators on YouTube.

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Before you learn how to add and subtract fractions you need to understand some key vocabulary first.

Adding and Subtracting Fractions with the Same Denominator

Let’s start by reviewing the difference between a numerator and a denominator:

In the above example, 1/5 and 3/5 have common denominators (both equal 5). To add them together, you just have to add the numerators together and leave the denominator alone as follows:

Since 4/5 can not be simplified any further, you can conclude that:

1/5 + 3/5 = 4/5

But what about when the denominators are not the same?

Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators

How do you add and subtract fractions when the denominators are different?

You can use the following 3-step process for adding and subtracting fractions (with and without common denominators).

Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators Example

STEP ONE: Get a common denominator.

STEP TWO: Add or subtract the numerators.

STEP THREE: Simplify the result if needed.

Notice that 3/27 can be simplified, since the numerator and denominator are both divisible by 3.

And that’s all there is to it!

Final Answer:

Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators: Video Tutorial

Still confused? Check out the animated video lesson below:

Check out the video lesson below to learn more about adding and subtracting fractions and for more free practice problems:

Keep Learning with More Free Lesson Guides:

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By Anthony Persico

Anthony is the content crafter and head educator for YouTube's MashUp Math. You can often find me happily developing animated math lessons to share on my YouTube channel . Or spending way too much time at the gym or playing on my phone.