Add and Subtract Fractions with Different Denominators: example 4.73

Simplify:

Work it out on paper first. Then open the solution one step at a time, and stop as soon as you can finish on your own.

Your turn

The book's Try It right after this example: same idea, new numbers. Only the answer is given.

Simplify each expression:

How did it go?

	$- \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{6}$
Find the LCD.
Rewrite each fraction as an equivalent fraction with the LCD.
Simplify the numerators and denominators.	$- \frac{3}{12} + \frac{2}{12}$
Add the numerators and place the sum over the common denominator.	$- \frac{1}{12}$
Check to see if the answer can be simplified. It cannot.

	$- \frac{1}{4} \div \frac{1}{6}$
To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second.	$- \frac{1}{4} \cdot \frac{6}{1}$
Multiply.	$- \frac{6}{4}$
Simplify.	$- \frac{3}{2}$

	$- \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{6}$
Find the LCD.
Rewrite each fraction as an equivalent fraction with the LCD.
Simplify the numerators and denominators.	$- \frac{3}{12} + \frac{2}{12}$
Add the numerators and place the sum over the common denominator.	$- \frac{1}{12}$
Check to see if the answer can be simplified. It cannot.

	$- \frac{1}{4} \div \frac{1}{6}$
To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second.	$- \frac{1}{4} \cdot \frac{6}{1}$
Multiply.	$- \frac{6}{4}$
Simplify.	$- \frac{3}{2}$