Fractions: simplifying, adding, multiplying and dividing
What a fraction means, how to simplify one, and the four operations — with a common denominator only when you need it.
A fraction means parts out of equal parts. The top number is the numerator and the bottom number is the denominator.
Equivalent fractions and simplifying
Multiplying or dividing the top and bottom by the same number gives an equal fraction: . To simplify, divide both by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
Adding and subtracting
You can only add or subtract fractions with the same denominator. Rewrite both over a common denominator — the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators keeps the numbers small — then combine the numerators.
مثال حلشده
Add
Find .
نمایش راهحل
- The LCM of 2 and 3 is 6, so rewrite both fractions in sixths.
- Add the numerators and keep the denominator.
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Multiplying and dividing
Multiply straight across: numerator times numerator, denominator times denominator. To divide, multiply by the reciprocal (flip the second fraction).
مثال حلشده
Divide
Find .
نمایش راهحل
- Flip the second fraction and multiply.
- Simplify by dividing top and bottom by 6.
پاسخ: (or )
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