Table of Contents
Like and Unlike Fractions
When two fractions have the same denominator, they are called like fractions. The numerators (top numbers) of like fractions can be compared to see which is larger.
For example, the numerators of the fractions 2/4 and 1/2 are 2 and 1, respectively. So 2/4 is larger than 1/2.
When two fractions have different denominators, they are called unlike fractions. The numerators and denominators of unlike fractions cannot be compared.
Like Fraction Definition:
A fraction is a number that expresses how many parts of a whole there are, and the size of each part, relative to the whole.
A fraction is written as a number over a line, with the number above the line representing the numerator and the number below the line representing the denominator. The numerator (top number) tells you how many parts there are, and the denominator (bottom number) tells you what size each part is.
For example, if you have three candy bars and you want to divide them into six pieces, you would have 3/6, because there are three candy bars and each piece would be 1/6 of the whole.
Unlike Fraction Definition:
A fraction is a number that is expressed as the quotient of two whole numbers, with a numerator and denominator.
A fraction is a number that is expressed as the quotient of two whole numbers, with a numerator and denominator. The numerator is the top number in the fraction and the denominator is the bottom number.
A fraction can be written in two ways: as a horizontal line over the numerator and denominator (e.g., ) or as a division symbol (e.g.).
A fraction can also be represented using a pie chart. In a pie chart, the numerator is the slice of the pie and the denominator is the whole pie.
How to Convert Unlike Fractions to Like Fractions?
To convert an unlike fraction to a like fraction, divide the numerator by the denominator.
Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominator Example
To add fractions with unlike denominators, find a common denominator and add the numerators.
1/2 + 2/3 = 3/6 + 5/6 = 8/6
Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominator Example
To subtract fractions with unlike denominators, convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with the same denominator.
Then, subtract the numerators of the fractions to get the answer.
Example:
Subtract 2/5 from 3/10
Step 1: Convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with the same denominator.
2/5 = 4/10
3/10 = 6/10
Step 2: Subtract the numerators of the fractions to get the answer.
4 – 6 = -2
FAQs
Q: What are unlike denominators?
A: Unlike denominators are denominators that are different from each other in a fraction.
Q: How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?
A: To add fractions with unlike denominators, you need to find a common denominator and convert each fraction to that denominator before adding them.
Q: What is the common denominator?
A: The common denominator is the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of two or more fractions.
Q: How do you find the least common multiple (LCM)?
A: To find the LCM, you need to find the factors of each denominator and multiply the highest power of each factor together.
Q: Can you add fractions with unlike denominators without finding the common denominator?
A: No, you cannot add fractions with unlike denominators without finding the common denominator first.
Q: How do you subtract fractions with unlike denominators?
A: To subtract fractions with unlike denominators, you need to find a common denominator and convert each fraction to that denominator before subtracting them.
Q: Can you multiply fractions with unlike denominators?
A: Yes, you can multiply fractions with unlike denominators. Simply multiply the numerators together and the denominators together.
Q: Can you simplify fractions with unlike denominators?
A: Yes, you can simplify fractions with unlike denominators by finding a common factor in the numerator and denominator and dividing both by that factor.
