Find the numerator and denominator. A fraction consists of two numbers: the number above the line is called the numerator, and the number below the line is called the denominator. The denominator indicates the total number of parts into which a whole is broken, and the numerator is the considered number of such parts.

• For example, in the fraction ½, the numerator is 1 and the denominator is 2.

Determine the denominator. If two or more fractions have a common denominator, such fractions have the same number under the line, that is, in this case, some whole is divided into the same number of parts. Adding fractions with a common denominator is very easy, since the denominator of the total fraction will be the same as that of the fractions being added. For example:

• The fractions 3/5 and 2/5 have a common denominator 5.
• Fractions 3/8, 5/8, 17/8 have a common denominator 8.

Determine the numerators. To add fractions with a common denominator, add their numerators and write the result above the denominator of the added fractions.

• The fractions 3/5 and 2/5 have numerators 3 and 2.
• Fractions 3/8, 5/8, 17/8 have numerators 3, 5, 17.

Add up the numerators. In problem 3/5 + 2/5 add the numerators 3 + 2 = 5. In problem 3/8 + 5/8 + 17/8 add the numerators 3 + 5 + 17 = 25.

Write down the total. Remember that when adding fractions with a common denominator, it remains unchanged - only the numerators are added.

• 3/5 + 2/5 = 5/5
• 3/8 + 5/8 + 17/8 = 25/8

Convert the fraction if necessary. Sometimes a fraction can be written as a whole number rather than as a common or decimal fraction. For example, the fraction 5/5 easily converts to 1, since any fraction whose numerator is equal to the denominator is 1. Imagine a pie cut into three parts. If you eat all three parts, then you will eat the whole (one) pie.

• Any common fraction can be converted to a decimal; To do this, divide the numerator by the denominator. For example, the fraction 5/8 can be written like this: 5 ÷ 8 = 0.625.

Simplify the fraction if possible. A simplified fraction is a fraction whose numerator and denominator do not have a common divisor.

• For example, consider the fraction 3/6. Here, both the numerator and the denominator have a common divisor equal to 3, that is, the numerator and denominator are completely divisible by 3. Therefore, the fraction 3/6 can be written as follows: 3 ÷ 3/6 ÷ 3 = ½.

If necessary, convert the improper fraction to a mixed fraction (mixed number). For an improper fraction, the numerator is greater than the denominator, for example, 25/8 (for a proper fraction, the numerator is less than the denominator). An improper fraction can be converted to a mixed fraction, which consists of an integer part (that is, a whole number) and a fractional part (that is, a proper fraction). To convert an improper fraction such as 25/8 to a mixed number, follow these steps:

• Divide the numerator of the improper fraction by its denominator; write down the incomplete quotient (the whole answer). In our example: 25 ÷ 8 = 3 plus some remainder. In this case, the whole answer is the integer part of the mixed number.
• Find the rest. In our example: 8 x 3 = 24; subtract the result from the original numerator: 25 - 24 \u003d 1, that is, the remainder is 1. In this case, the remainder is the numerator of the fractional part of the mixed number.
• Write a mixed fraction. The denominator does not change (that is, it is equal to the denominator of the improper fraction), so 25/8 = 3 1/8.

Note! Before writing a final answer, see if you can reduce the fraction you received.

Subtraction of fractions with the same denominators examples:

,

,

Subtracting a proper fraction from one.

If it is necessary to subtract from the unit a fraction that is correct, the unit is converted to the form of an improper fraction, its denominator is equal to the denominator of the subtracted fraction.

An example of subtracting a proper fraction from one:

The denominator of the fraction to be subtracted = 7 , i.e., we represent the unit as an improper fraction 7/7 and subtract according to the rule for subtracting fractions with the same denominators.

Subtracting a proper fraction from a whole number.

Rules for subtracting fractions - correct from integer (natural number):

• We translate the given fractions, which contain an integer part, into improper ones. We get normal terms (it does not matter if they have different denominators), which we consider according to the rules given above;
• Next, we calculate the difference of the fractions that we received. As a result, we will almost find the answer;
• We perform the inverse transformation, that is, we get rid of the improper fraction - we select the integer part in the fraction.

Subtract a proper fraction from a whole number: we represent a natural number as a mixed number. Those. we take a unit in a natural number and translate it into the form of an improper fraction, the denominator is the same as that of the subtracted fraction.

Fraction subtraction example:

In the example, we replaced the unit with an improper fraction 7/7 and instead of 3 we wrote down a mixed number and subtracted a fraction from the fractional part.

Subtraction of fractions with different denominators.

Or, to put it another way, subtraction of different fractions.

Rule for subtracting fractions with different denominators. In order to subtract fractions with different denominators, it is necessary, first, to bring these fractions to the lowest common denominator (LCD), and only after that to subtract as with fractions with the same denominators.

The common denominator of several fractions is LCM (least common multiple) natural numbers that are the denominators of the given fractions.

Attention! If in the final fraction the numerator and denominator have common factors, then the fraction must be reduced. An improper fraction is best represented as a mixed fraction. Leaving the result of the subtraction without reducing the fraction where possible is an unfinished solution to the example!

Procedure for subtracting fractions with different denominators.

• find the LCM for all denominators;
• put additional multipliers for all fractions;
• multiply all numerators by an additional factor;
• we write the resulting products in the numerator, signing a common denominator under all fractions;
• subtract the numerators of fractions, signing the common denominator under the difference.

In the same way, addition and subtraction of fractions is carried out in the presence of letters in the numerator.

Subtraction of fractions, examples:

Subtraction of mixed fractions.

At subtraction of mixed fractions (numbers) separately, the integer part is subtracted from the integer part, and the fractional part is subtracted from the fractional part.

The first option is to subtract mixed fractions.

If the fractional parts the same denominators and numerator of the fractional part of the minuend (we subtract from it) ≥ the numerator of the fractional part of the subtrahend (we subtract it).

For example:

The second option is to subtract mixed fractions.

When the fractional parts various denominators. To begin with, we reduce the fractional parts to a common denominator, and then we subtract the integer part from the integer, and the fractional from the fractional.

For example:

The third option is to subtract mixed fractions.

The fractional part of the minuend is less than the fractional part of the subtrahend.

Example:

Because fractional parts have different denominators, which means, as in the second option, we first bring ordinary fractions to a common denominator.

The numerator of the fractional part of the minuend is less than the numerator of the fractional part of the subtrahend.3 < 14. So, we take a unit from the integer part and bring this unit to the form of an improper fraction with the same denominator and numerator = 18.

In the numerator from the right side we write the sum of the numerators, then we open the brackets in the numerator from the right side, that is, we multiply everything and give similar ones. We do not open brackets in the denominator. It is customary to leave the product in the denominators. We get:

Lesson content

Adding fractions with the same denominators

Adding fractions is of two types:

1. Adding fractions with the same denominators
2. Adding fractions with different denominators

Let's start with adding fractions with the same denominators. Everything is simple here. To add fractions with the same denominators, you need to add their numerators, and leave the denominator unchanged. For example, let's add the fractions and . We add the numerators, and leave the denominator unchanged:

This example can be easily understood if we think of a pizza that is divided into four parts. If you add pizza to pizza, you get pizza:

Example 2 Add fractions and .

The answer is an improper fraction. If the end of the task comes, then it is customary to get rid of improper fractions. To get rid of an improper fraction, you need to select the whole part in it. In our case, the integer part is allocated easily - two divided by two is equal to one:

This example can be easily understood if we think of a pizza that is divided into two parts. If you add more pizzas to the pizza, you get one whole pizza:

Example 3. Add fractions and .

Again, add the numerators, and leave the denominator unchanged:

This example can be easily understood if we think of a pizza that is divided into three parts. If you add more pizzas to pizza, you get pizzas:

Example 4 Find the value of an expression

This example is solved in exactly the same way as the previous ones. The numerators must be added and the denominator left unchanged:

Let's try to depict our solution using a picture. If you add pizzas to a pizza and add more pizzas, you get 1 whole pizza and more pizzas.

As you can see, adding fractions with the same denominators is not difficult. It is enough to understand the following rules:

1. To add fractions with the same denominator, you need to add their numerators, and leave the denominator unchanged;

Adding fractions with different denominators

Now we will learn how to add fractions with different denominators. When adding fractions, the denominators of those fractions must be the same. But they are not always the same.

For example, fractions can be added because they have the same denominators.

But fractions cannot be added at once, because these fractions have different denominators. In such cases, fractions must be reduced to the same (common) denominator.

There are several ways to reduce fractions to the same denominator. Today we will consider only one of them, since the rest of the methods may seem complicated for a beginner.

The essence of this method lies in the fact that first (LCM) of the denominators of both fractions is sought. Then the LCM is divided by the denominator of the first fraction and the first additional factor is obtained. They do the same with the second fraction - the LCM is divided by the denominator of the second fraction and the second additional factor is obtained.

Then the numerators and denominators of the fractions are multiplied by their additional factors. As a result of these actions, fractions that had different denominators turn into fractions that have the same denominators. And we already know how to add such fractions.

Example 1. Add fractions and

First of all, we find the least common multiple of the denominators of both fractions. The denominator of the first fraction is the number 3, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 2. The least common multiple of these numbers is 6

LCM (2 and 3) = 6

Now back to fractions and . First, we divide the LCM by the denominator of the first fraction and get the first additional factor. LCM is the number 6, and the denominator of the first fraction is the number 3. Divide 6 by 3, we get 2.

The resulting number 2 is the first additional factor. We write it down to the first fraction. To do this, we make a small oblique line above the fraction and write down the found additional factor above it:

We do the same with the second fraction. We divide the LCM by the denominator of the second fraction and get the second additional factor. LCM is the number 6, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 2. Divide 6 by 2, we get 3.

The resulting number 3 is the second additional factor. We write it to the second fraction. Again, we make a small oblique line above the second fraction and write the found additional factor above it:

Now we are all set to add. It remains to multiply the numerators and denominators of fractions by their additional factors:

Look closely at what we have come to. We came to the conclusion that fractions that had different denominators turned into fractions that had the same denominators. And we already know how to add such fractions. Let's complete this example to the end:

Thus the example ends. To add it turns out.

Let's try to depict our solution using a picture. If you add pizzas to a pizza, you get one whole pizza and another sixth of a pizza:

Reduction of fractions to the same (common) denominator can also be depicted using a picture. Bringing the fractions and to a common denominator, we get the fractions and . These two fractions will be represented by the same slices of pizzas. The only difference will be that this time they will be divided into equal shares (reduced to the same denominator).

The first drawing shows a fraction (four pieces out of six) and the second picture shows a fraction (three pieces out of six). Putting these pieces together we get (seven pieces out of six). This fraction is incorrect, so we have highlighted the integer part in it. The result was (one whole pizza and another sixth pizza).

Note that we have painted this example in too much detail. In educational institutions it is not customary to write in such a detailed manner. You need to be able to quickly find the LCM of both denominators and additional factors to them, as well as quickly multiply the additional factors found by your numerators and denominators. While at school, we would have to write this example as follows:

But there is also the other side of the coin. If detailed notes are not made at the first stages of studying mathematics, then questions of the kind “Where does that number come from?”, “Why do fractions suddenly turn into completely different fractions? «.

To make it easier to add fractions with different denominators, you can use the following step-by-step instructions:

1. Find the LCM of the denominators of fractions;
2. Divide the LCM by the denominator of each fraction and get an additional multiplier for each fraction;
3. Multiply the numerators and denominators of fractions by their additional factors;
4. Add fractions that have the same denominators;
5. If the answer turned out to be an improper fraction, then select its whole part;

Example 2 Find the value of an expression .

Let's use the instructions above.

Step 1. Find the LCM of the denominators of fractions

Find the LCM of the denominators of both fractions. The denominators of the fractions are the numbers 2, 3 and 4

Step 2. Divide the LCM by the denominator of each fraction and get an additional multiplier for each fraction

Divide the LCM by the denominator of the first fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the first fraction is the number 2. Divide 12 by 2, we get 6. We got the first additional factor 6. We write it over the first fraction:

Now we divide the LCM by the denominator of the second fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 3. Divide 12 by 3, we get 4. We got the second additional factor 4. We write it over the second fraction:

Now we divide the LCM by the denominator of the third fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the third fraction is the number 4. Divide 12 by 4, we get 3. We got the third additional factor 3. We write it over the third fraction:

Step 3. Multiply the numerators and denominators of fractions by your additional factors

We multiply the numerators and denominators by our additional factors:

Step 4. Add fractions that have the same denominators

We came to the conclusion that fractions that had different denominators turned into fractions that have the same (common) denominators. It remains to add these fractions. Add up:

The addition didn't fit on one line, so we moved the remaining expression to the next line. This is allowed in mathematics. When an expression does not fit on one line, it is carried over to the next line, and it is necessary to put an equal sign (=) at the end of the first line and at the beginning of a new line. The equal sign on the second line indicates that this is a continuation of the expression that was on the first line.

Step 5. If the answer turned out to be an improper fraction, then select the whole part in it

Our answer is an improper fraction. We must single out the whole part of it. We highlight:

Got an answer

Subtraction of fractions with the same denominators

There are two types of fraction subtraction:

1. Subtraction of fractions with the same denominators
2. Subtraction of fractions with different denominators

First, let's learn how to subtract fractions with the same denominators. Everything is simple here. To subtract another from one fraction, you need to subtract the numerator of the second fraction from the numerator of the first fraction, and leave the denominator the same.

For example, let's find the value of the expression . To solve this example, it is necessary to subtract the numerator of the second fraction from the numerator of the first fraction, and leave the denominator unchanged. Let's do this:

This example can be easily understood if we think of a pizza that is divided into four parts. If you cut pizzas from a pizza, you get pizzas:

Example 2 Find the value of the expression .

Again, from the numerator of the first fraction, subtract the numerator of the second fraction, and leave the denominator unchanged:

This example can be easily understood if we think of a pizza that is divided into three parts. If you cut pizzas from a pizza, you get pizzas:

Example 3 Find the value of an expression

This example is solved in exactly the same way as the previous ones. From the numerator of the first fraction, you need to subtract the numerators of the remaining fractions:

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in subtracting fractions with the same denominators. It is enough to understand the following rules:

1. To subtract another from one fraction, you need to subtract the numerator of the second fraction from the numerator of the first fraction, and leave the denominator unchanged;
2. If the answer turned out to be an improper fraction, then you need to select the whole part in it.

Subtraction of fractions with different denominators

For example, a fraction can be subtracted from a fraction, since these fractions have the same denominators. But a fraction cannot be subtracted from a fraction, because these fractions have different denominators. In such cases, fractions must be reduced to the same (common) denominator.

The common denominator is found according to the same principle that we used when adding fractions with different denominators. First of all, find the LCM of the denominators of both fractions. Then the LCM is divided by the denominator of the first fraction and the first additional factor is obtained, which is written over the first fraction. Similarly, the LCM is divided by the denominator of the second fraction and a second additional factor is obtained, which is written over the second fraction.

The fractions are then multiplied by their additional factors. As a result of these operations, fractions that had different denominators turn into fractions that have the same denominators. And we already know how to subtract such fractions.

Example 1 Find the value of an expression:

These fractions have different denominators, so you need to bring them to the same (common) denominator.

First, we find the LCM of the denominators of both fractions. The denominator of the first fraction is the number 3, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 4. The least common multiple of these numbers is 12

LCM (3 and 4) = 12

Now back to fractions and

Let's find an additional factor for the first fraction. To do this, we divide the LCM by the denominator of the first fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the first fraction is the number 3. Divide 12 by 3, we get 4. We write the four over the first fraction:

We do the same with the second fraction. We divide the LCM by the denominator of the second fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 4. Divide 12 by 4, we get 3. Write a triple over the second fraction:

Now we are all set for subtraction. It remains to multiply the fractions by their additional factors:

We came to the conclusion that fractions that had different denominators turned into fractions that had the same denominators. And we already know how to subtract such fractions. Let's complete this example to the end:

Got an answer

Let's try to depict our solution using a picture. If you cut pizzas from a pizza, you get pizzas.

This is the detailed version of the solution. Being at school, we would have to solve this example in a shorter way. Such a solution would look like this:

Reduction of fractions and to a common denominator can also be depicted using a picture. Bringing these fractions to a common denominator, we get the fractions and . These fractions will be represented by the same pizza slices, but this time they will be divided into the same fractions (reduced to the same denominator):

The first drawing shows a fraction (eight pieces out of twelve), and the second picture shows a fraction (three pieces out of twelve). By cutting off three pieces from eight pieces, we get five pieces out of twelve. The fraction describes these five pieces.

Example 2 Find the value of an expression

These fractions have different denominators, so you first need to bring them to the same (common) denominator.

Find the LCM of the denominators of these fractions.

The denominators of the fractions are the numbers 10, 3 and 5. The least common multiple of these numbers is 30

LCM(10, 3, 5) = 30

Now we find additional factors for each fraction. To do this, we divide the LCM by the denominator of each fraction.

Let's find an additional factor for the first fraction. LCM is the number 30, and the denominator of the first fraction is the number 10. Divide 30 by 10, we get the first additional factor 3. We write it over the first fraction:

Now we find an additional factor for the second fraction. Divide the LCM by the denominator of the second fraction. LCM is the number 30, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 3. Divide 30 by 3, we get the second additional factor 10. We write it over the second fraction:

Now we find an additional factor for the third fraction. Divide the LCM by the denominator of the third fraction. LCM is the number 30, and the denominator of the third fraction is the number 5. Divide 30 by 5, we get the third additional factor 6. We write it over the third fraction:

Now everything is ready for subtraction. It remains to multiply the fractions by their additional factors:

We came to the conclusion that fractions that had different denominators turned into fractions that have the same (common) denominators. And we already know how to subtract such fractions. Let's finish this example.

The continuation of the example will not fit on one line, so we move the continuation to the next line. Don't forget about the equal sign (=) on the new line:

The answer turned out to be a correct fraction, and everything seems to suit us, but it is too cumbersome and ugly. We should make it easier. What can be done? You can reduce this fraction.

To reduce a fraction, you need to divide its numerator and denominator by (gcd) the numbers 20 and 30.

So, we find the GCD of the numbers 20 and 30:

Now we return to our example and divide the numerator and denominator of the fraction by the found GCD, that is, by 10

Got an answer

Multiplying a fraction by a number

To multiply a fraction by a number, you need to multiply the numerator of the given fraction by this number, and leave the denominator the same.

Example 1. Multiply the fraction by the number 1.

Multiply the numerator of the fraction by the number 1

The entry can be understood as taking half 1 time. For example, if you take pizza 1 time, you get pizza

From the laws of multiplication, we know that if the multiplicand and the multiplier are interchanged, then the product will not change. If the expression is written as , then the product will still be equal to . Again, the rule for multiplying an integer and a fraction works:

This entry can be understood as taking half of the unit. For example, if there is 1 whole pizza and we take half of it, then we will have pizza:

Example 2. Find the value of an expression

Multiply the numerator of the fraction by 4

The answer is an improper fraction. Let's take a whole part of it:

The expression can be understood as taking two quarters 4 times. For example, if you take pizzas 4 times, you get two whole pizzas.

And if we swap the multiplicand and the multiplier in places, we get the expression. It will also be equal to 2. This expression can be understood as taking two pizzas from four whole pizzas:

Multiplication of fractions

To multiply fractions, you need to multiply their numerators and denominators. If the answer is an improper fraction, you need to select the whole part in it.

Example 1 Find the value of the expression .

Got an answer. It is desirable to reduce this fraction. The fraction can be reduced by 2. Then the final solution will take the following form:

The expression can be understood as taking a pizza from half a pizza. Let's say we have half a pizza:

How to take two-thirds from this half? First you need to divide this half into three equal parts:

And take two from these three pieces:

We'll get pizza. Remember what a pizza looks like divided into three parts:

One slice from this pizza and the two slices we took will have the same dimensions:

In other words, we are talking about the same pizza size. Therefore, the value of the expression is

Example 2. Find the value of an expression

Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the numerator of the second fraction, and the denominator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction:

The answer is an improper fraction. Let's take a whole part of it:

Example 3 Find the value of an expression

Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the numerator of the second fraction, and the denominator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction:

The answer turned out to be a correct fraction, but it will be good if it is reduced. To reduce this fraction, you need to divide the numerator and denominator of this fraction by the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numbers 105 and 450.

So, let's find the GCD of the numbers 105 and 450:

Now we divide the numerator and denominator of our answer to the GCD that we have now found, that is, by 15

Representing an integer as a fraction

Any whole number can be represented as a fraction. For example, the number 5 can be represented as . From this, the five will not change its meaning, since the expression means “the number five divided by one”, and this, as you know, is equal to five:

Reverse numbers

Now we will get acquainted with a very interesting topic in mathematics. It's called "reverse numbers".

Definition. Reverse to numbera is the number that, when multiplied bya gives a unit.

Let's substitute in this definition instead of a variable a number 5 and try to read the definition:

Reverse to number 5 is the number that, when multiplied by 5 gives a unit.

Is it possible to find a number that, when multiplied by 5, gives one? It turns out you can. Let's represent five as a fraction:

Then multiply this fraction by itself, just swap the numerator and denominator. In other words, let's multiply the fraction by itself, only inverted:

What will be the result of this? If we continue to solve this example, we get one:

This means that the inverse of the number 5 is the number, since when 5 is multiplied by one, one is obtained.

The reciprocal can also be found for any other integer.

You can also find the reciprocal for any other fraction. To do this, it is enough to turn it over.

Division of a fraction by a number

Let's say we have half a pizza:

Let's divide it equally between two. How many pizzas will each get?

It can be seen that after splitting half of the pizza, two equal pieces were obtained, each of which makes up a pizza. So everyone gets a pizza.

Division of fractions is done using reciprocals. Reciprocals allow you to replace division with multiplication.

To divide a fraction by a number, you need to multiply this fraction by the reciprocal of the divisor.

Using this rule, we will write down the division of our half of the pizza into two parts.

So, you need to divide the fraction by the number 2. Here the dividend is a fraction and the divisor is 2.

To divide a fraction by the number 2, you need to multiply this fraction by the reciprocal of the divisor 2. The reciprocal of the divisor 2 is a fraction. So you need to multiply by

Actions with fractions.

Attention!
There are additional
material in Special Section 555.
For those who strongly "not very..."
And for those who "very much...")

So, what are fractions, types of fractions, transformations - we remembered. Let's tackle the main question.

What can you do with fractions? Yes, everything is the same as with ordinary numbers. Add, subtract, multiply, divide.

All these actions with decimal operations with fractions are no different from operations with integers. Actually, this is what they are good for, decimal. The only thing is that you need to put the comma correctly.

mixed numbers, as I said, are of little use for most actions. They still need to be converted to ordinary fractions.

And here are the actions with ordinary fractions will be smarter. And much more important! Let me remind you: all actions with fractional expressions with letters, sines, unknowns, and so on and so forth are no different from actions with ordinary fractions! Operations with ordinary fractions are the basis for all algebra. It is for this reason that we will analyze all this arithmetic in great detail here.

Addition and subtraction of fractions.

Everyone can add (subtract) fractions with the same denominators (I really hope!). Well, let me remind you that I’m completely forgetful: when adding (subtracting), the denominator does not change. The numerators are added (subtracted) to give the numerator of the result. Type:

In short, in general terms:

What if the denominators are different? Then, using the main property of the fraction (here it came in handy again!), We make the denominators the same! For example:

Here we had to make the fraction 4/10 from the fraction 2/5. Solely for the purpose of making the denominators the same. I note, just in case, that 2/5 and 4/10 are the same fraction! Only 2/5 is uncomfortable for us, and 4/10 is even nothing.

By the way, this is the essence of solving any tasks in mathematics. When we're out uncomfortable expressions do the same, but more convenient to solve.

Another example:

The situation is similar. Here we make 48 out of 16. By simple multiplication by 3. This is all clear. But here we come across something like:

How to be?! It's hard to make a nine out of a seven! But we are smart, we know the rules! Let's transform every fraction so that the denominators are the same. This is called "reduce to a common denominator":

How! How did I know about 63? Very simple! 63 is a number that is evenly divisible by 7 and 9 at the same time. Such a number can always be obtained by multiplying the denominators. If we multiply some number by 7, for example, then the result will certainly be divided by 7!

If you need to add (subtract) several fractions, there is no need to do it in pairs, step by step. You just need to find the denominator that is common to all fractions, and bring each fraction to this same denominator. For example:

And what will be the common denominator? You can, of course, multiply 2, 4, 8, and 16. We get 1024. Nightmare. It is easier to estimate that the number 16 is perfectly divisible by 2, 4, and 8. Therefore, it is easy to get 16 from these numbers. This number will be the common denominator. Let's turn 1/2 into 8/16, 3/4 into 12/16, and so on.

By the way, if we take 1024 as a common denominator, everything will work out too, in the end everything will be reduced. Only not everyone will get to this end, because of the calculations ...

Solve the example yourself. Not a logarithm... It should be 29/16.

So, with the addition (subtraction) of fractions is clear, I hope? Of course, it is easier to work in a shortened version, with additional multipliers. But this pleasure is available to those who honestly worked in the lower grades ... And did not forget anything.

And now we will do the same actions, but not with fractions, but with fractional expressions. New rakes will be found here, yes ...

So, we need to add two fractional expressions:

We need to make the denominators the same. And only with the help multiplication! So the main property of the fraction says. Therefore, I cannot add one to x in the first fraction in the denominator. (But that would be nice!). But if you multiply the denominators, you see, everything will grow together! So we write down, the line of the fraction, leave an empty space on top, then add it, and write the product of the denominators below, so as not to forget:

And, of course, we don’t multiply anything on the right side, we don’t open brackets! And now, looking at the common denominator of the right side, we think: in order to get the denominator x (x + 1) in the first fraction, we need to multiply the numerator and denominator of this fraction by (x + 1). And in the second fraction - x. You get this:

Note! Parentheses are here! This is the rake that many step on. Not brackets, of course, but their absence. Parentheses appear because we multiply the whole numerator and the whole denominator! And not their individual pieces ...

In the numerator of the right side, we write the sum of the numerators, everything is as in numerical fractions, then we open the brackets in the numerator of the right side, i.e. multiply everything and give like. You don't need to open the brackets in the denominators, you don't need to multiply something! In general, in denominators (any) the product is always more pleasant! We get:

Here we got the answer. The process seems long and difficult, but it depends on practice. Solve examples, get used to it, everything will become simple. Those who have mastered the fractions in the allotted time, do all these operations with one hand, on the machine!

And one more note. Many famously deal with fractions, but hang on examples with whole numbers. Type: 2 + 1/2 + 3/4= ? Where to fasten a deuce? No need to fasten anywhere, you need to make a fraction out of a deuce. It's not easy, it's very simple! 2=2/1. Like this. Any whole number can be written as a fraction. The numerator is the number itself, the denominator is one. 7 is 7/1, 3 is 3/1 and so on. It's the same with letters. (a + b) \u003d (a + b) / 1, x \u003d x / 1, etc. And then we work with these fractions according to all the rules.

Well, on addition - subtraction of fractions, knowledge was refreshed. Transformations of fractions from one type to another - repeated. You can also check. Shall we settle a little?)

Calculate:

Answers (in disarray):

71/20; 3/5; 17/12; -5/4; 11/6

Multiplication / division of fractions - in the next lesson. There are also tasks for all actions with fractions.

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You can practice solving examples and find out your level. Testing with instant verification. Learning - with interest!)

you can get acquainted with functions and derivatives.

Adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominators

Let's start by looking at the simplest example - adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominators. In this case, you just need to perform actions with the numerators - add them or subtract them.

When adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominators, the denominator does not change!

The main thing is not to perform any addition and subtraction operations in the denominator, but some students forget about it. To better understand this rule, let's resort to the principle of visualization, or in simple words, consider a real-life example:

You have half an apple - that's ½ of the whole apple. You are given another half, that is, another ½. Obviously, now you have a whole apple (not counting that it is cut 🙂). Therefore ½ + ½ = 1 and not something else like 2/4. Or they take away this half from you: ½ - ½ = 0. In the case of subtraction with the same denominators, a special case is obtained in general - when subtracting the same denominators, we will get 0, but you cannot divide by 0, and this fraction will not make sense.

Let's take a final example:

Adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators

What if the denominators are different? To do this, we must first bring the fractions to the same denominator, and then proceed as I indicated above.

There are two ways to reduce a fraction to a common denominator. In all methods, one rule is used - when multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number, the fraction does not change .

There are two ways. The first - the simplest - the so-called "crosswise". It lies in the fact that we multiply the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction (both the numerator and denominator), and multiply the second fraction by the denominator of the first (similarly, the numerator and denominator). After that, we act as in the case of the same denominators - now they are really the same!

The previous method is universal, however, in most cases, denominator fractions can be found least common multiple - the number by which both the first denominator and the second are divisible, and the smallest. In this method, you need to be able to see such LCMs, because their special search is quite capacious and inferior in speed to the “cross-wise” method. But in most cases, NOCs are quite visible if you fill your eyes and train enough.

I hope that now you are fluent in the methods of adding and subtracting fractions!