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Prealgebra

4.5 Add and Subtract Fractions with Different Denominators

Prealgebra4.5 Add and Subtract Fractions with Different Denominators
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Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:
  • Find the least common denominator (LCD)
  • Convert fractions to equivalent fractions with the LCD
  • Add and subtract fractions with different denominators
  • Identify and use fraction operations
  • Use the order of operations to simplify complex fractions
  • Evaluate variable expressions with fractions

Be Prepared 4.5

Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

  1. Find two fractions equivalent to 56.
    If you missed this problem, review Example 4.14.
  2. Simplify: 1+5·322+4.
    If you missed this problem, review Example 4.48.

Find the Least Common Denominator

In the previous section, we explained how to add and subtract fractions with a common denominator. But how can we add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators?

Let’s think about coins again. Can you add one quarter and one dime? You could say there are two coins, but that’s not very useful. To find the total value of one quarter plus one dime, you change them to the same kind of unit—cents. One quarter equals 25 cents and one dime equals 10 cents, so the sum is 35 cents. See Figure 4.7.

A quarter and a dime are shown. Below them, it reads 25 cents plus 10 cents. Below that, it reads 35 cents.
Figure 4.7 Together, a quarter and a dime are worth 35 cents, or 35100 of a dollar.

Similarly, when we add fractions with different denominators we have to convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator. With the coins, when we convert to cents, the denominator is 100. Since there are 100 cents in one dollar, 25 cents is 25100 and 10 cents is 10100. So we add 25100+10100 to get 35100, which is 35 cents.

You have practiced adding and subtracting fractions with common denominators. Now let’s see what you need to do with fractions that have different denominators.

First, we will use fraction tiles to model finding the common denominator of 12 and 13.

We’ll start with one 12 tile and 13 tile. We want to find a common fraction tile that we can use to match both 12 and 13 exactly.

If we try the 14 pieces, 2 of them exactly match the 12 piece, but they do not exactly match the 13 piece.

Two rectangles are shown side by side. The first is labeled 1 half. The second is shorter and is labeled 1 third. Underneath the first rectangle is an equally sized rectangle split vertically into two pieces, each labeled 1 fourth. Underneath the second rectangle are two pieces, each labeled 1 fourth. These rectangles together are longer than the rectangle labeled as 1 third.

If we try the 15 pieces, they do not exactly cover the 12 piece or the 13 piece.

Two rectangles are shown side by side. The first is labeled 1 half. The second is shorter and is labeled 1 third. Underneath the first rectangle is an equally sized rectangle split vertically into three pieces, each labeled 1 sixth. Underneath the second rectangle is an equally sized rectangle split vertically into 2 pieces, each labeled 1 sixth.

If we try the 16 pieces, we see that exactly 3 of them cover the 12 piece, and exactly 2 of them cover the 13 piece.

Two rectangles are shown side by side. The first is labeled 1 half. The second is shorter and is labeled 1 third. Underneath the first rectangle are three smaller rectangles, each labeled 1 fifth. Together, these rectangles are longer than the 1 half rectangle. Below the 1 third rectangle are two smaller rectangles, each labeled 1 fifth. Together, these rectangles are longer than the 1 third rectangle.

If we were to try the 112 pieces, they would also work.

Two rectangles are shown side by side. The first is labeled 1 half. The second is shorter and is labeled 1 third. Underneath the first rectangle is an equally sized rectangle split vertically into 6 pieces, each labeled 1 twelfth. Underneath the second rectangle is an equally sized rectangle split vertically into 4 pieces, each labeled 1 twelfth.

Even smaller tiles, such as 124 and 148, would also exactly cover the 12 piece and the 13 piece.

The denominator of the largest piece that covers both fractions is the least common denominator (LCD) of the two fractions. So, the least common denominator of 12 and 13 is 6.

Notice that all of the tiles that cover 12 and 13 have something in common: Their denominators are common multiples of 2 and 3, the denominators of 12 and 13. The least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators is 6, and so we say that 6 is the least common denominator (LCD) of the fractions 12 and 13.

Manipulative Mathematics

Doing the Manipulative Mathematics activity "Finding the Least Common Denominator" will help you develop a better understanding of the LCD.

Least Common Denominator

The least common denominator (LCD) of two fractions is the least common multiple (LCM) of their denominators.

To find the LCD of two fractions, we will find the LCM of their denominators. We follow the procedure we used earlier to find the LCM of two numbers. We only use the denominators of the fractions, not the numerators, when finding the LCD.

Example 4.63

Find the LCD for the fractions 712 and 518.

Try It 4.125

Find the least common denominator for the fractions: 712 and 1115.

Try It 4.126

Find the least common denominator for the fractions: 1315 and 175.

To find the LCD of two fractions, find the LCM of their denominators. Notice how the steps shown below are similar to the steps we took to find the LCM.

How To

Find the least common denominator (LCD) of two fractions.

  1. Step 1. Factor each denominator into its primes.
  2. Step 2. List the primes, matching primes in columns when possible.
  3. Step 3. Bring down the columns.
  4. Step 4. Multiply the factors. The product is the LCM of the denominators.
  5. Step 5. The LCM of the denominators is the LCD of the fractions.

Example 4.64

Find the least common denominator for the fractions 815 and 1124.

Try It 4.127

Find the least common denominator for the fractions: 1324 and 1732.

Try It 4.128

Find the least common denominator for the fractions: 928 and 2132.

Convert Fractions to Equivalent Fractions with the LCD

Earlier, we used fraction tiles to see that the LCD of 14and16 is 12. We saw that three 112 pieces exactly covered 14 and two 112 pieces exactly covered 16, so

14=312and16=212.
On the left is a rectangle labeled 1 fourth. Below it is an identical rectangle split vertically into 3 equal pieces, each labeled 1 twelfth. On the right is a rectangle labeled 1 sixth. Below it is an identical rectangle split vertically into 2 equal pieces, each labeled 1 twelfth.

We say that 14and312 are equivalent fractions and also that 16and212 are equivalent fractions.

We can use the Equivalent Fractions Property to algebraically change a fraction to an equivalent one. Remember, two fractions are equivalent if they have the same value. The Equivalent Fractions Property is repeated below for reference.

Equivalent Fractions Property

If a,b,c are whole numbers where b0,c0,then

ab=a·cb·canda·cb·c=ab

To add or subtract fractions with different denominators, we will first have to convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD. Let’s see how to change 14and16 to equivalent fractions with denominator 12 without using models.

Example 4.65

Convert 14and16 to equivalent fractions with denominator 12, their LCD.

Try It 4.129

Change to equivalent fractions with the LCD:

34 and 56,LCD=12

Try It 4.130

Change to equivalent fractions with the LCD:

712 and 1115,LCD=60

How To

Convert two fractions to equivalent fractions with their LCD as the common denominator.

  1. Step 1. Find the LCD.
  2. Step 2. For each fraction, determine the number needed to multiply the denominator to get the LCD.
  3. Step 3. Use the Equivalent Fractions Property to multiply both the numerator and denominator by the number you found in Step 2.
  4. Step 4. Simplify the numerator and denominator.

Example 4.66

Convert 815 and 1124 to equivalent fractions with denominator 120, their LCD.

Try It 4.131

Change to equivalent fractions with the LCD:

1324 and 1732, LCD 96

Try It 4.132

Change to equivalent fractions with the LCD:

928 and 2732, LCD 224

Add and Subtract Fractions with Different Denominators

Once we have converted two fractions to equivalent forms with common denominators, we can add or subtract them by adding or subtracting the numerators.

How To

Add or subtract fractions with different denominators.

  1. Step 1. Find the LCD.
  2. Step 2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent form with the LCD as the denominator.
  3. Step 3. Add or subtract the fractions.
  4. Step 4. Write the result in simplified form.

Example 4.67

Add: 12+13.

Try It 4.133

Add: 14+13.

Try It 4.134

Add: 12+15.

Example 4.68

Subtract: 12(14).

Try It 4.135

Simplify: 12(18).

Try It 4.136

Simplify: 13(16).

Example 4.69

Add: 712+518.

Try It 4.137

Add: 712+1115.

Try It 4.138

Add: 1315+1720.

When we use the Equivalent Fractions Property, there is a quick way to find the number you need to multiply by to get the LCD. Write the factors of the denominators and the LCD just as you did to find the LCD. The “missing” factors of each denominator are the numbers you need.

The first line says 12 equals 2 times 2 times 3. There is a blank space next to the 3. The next line says 18 equals 2 times 3 times 3. There is a blank space between the 2 and the first 3. There are red lines drawn from the blank spaces. This is labeled as missing factors. There is a horizontal line. Below the line, it says LCD equals 2 times 2 times 3 times 3. Below this, it says LCD equals 36.

The LCD, 36, has 2 factors of 2 and 2 factors of 3.

Twelve has two factors of 2, but only one of 3—so it is ‘missing‘ one 3. We multiplied the numerator and denominator of 712 by 3 to get an equivalent fraction with denominator 36.

Eighteen is missing one factor of 2—so you multiply the numerator and denominator 518 by 2 to get an equivalent fraction with denominator 36. We will apply this method as we subtract the fractions in the next example.

Example 4.70

Subtract: 7151924.

Try It 4.139

Subtract: 13241732.

Try It 4.140

Subtract: 2132928.

Example 4.71

Add: 1130+2342.

Try It 4.141

Add: 1342+1735.

Try It 4.142

Add: 1924+1732.

In the next example, one of the fractions has a variable in its numerator. We follow the same steps as when both numerators are numbers.

Example 4.72

Add: 35+x8.

Try It 4.143

Add: y6+79.

Try It 4.144

Add: x6+715.

Identify and Use Fraction Operations

By now in this chapter, you have practiced multiplying, dividing, adding, and subtracting fractions. The following table summarizes these four fraction operations. Remember: You need a common denominator to add or subtract fractions, but not to multiply or divide fractions

Summary of Fraction Operations

Fraction multiplication: Multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators.

ab·cd=acbd

Fraction division: Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second.

ab÷cd=ab·dc

Fraction addition: Add the numerators and place the sum over the common denominator. If the fractions have different denominators, first convert them to equivalent forms with the LCD.

ac+bc=a+bc

Fraction subtraction: Subtract the numerators and place the difference over the common denominator. If the fractions have different denominators, first convert them to equivalent forms with the LCD.

acbc=abc

Example 4.73

Simplify:

  1. 14+16
  2. 14÷16

Try It 4.145

Simplify each expression:

  1. 3416
  2. 34·16

Try It 4.146

Simplify each expression:

  1. 56÷(14)
  2. 56(14)

Example 4.74

Simplify:

  1. 5x6310
  2. 5x6·310

Try It 4.147

Simplify:

  1. 3a489
  2. 3a4·89

Try It 4.148

Simplify:

  1. 4k5+56
  2. 4k5÷56

Use the Order of Operations to Simplify Complex Fractions

In Multiply and Divide Mixed Numbers and Complex Fractions, we saw that a complex fraction is a fraction in which the numerator or denominator contains a fraction. We simplified complex fractions by rewriting them as division problems. For example,

3458=34÷58

Now we will look at complex fractions in which the numerator or denominator can be simplified. To follow the order of operations, we simplify the numerator and denominator separately first. Then we divide the numerator by the denominator.

How To

Simplify complex fractions.

  1. Step 1. Simplify the numerator.
  2. Step 2. Simplify the denominator.
  3. Step 3. Divide the numerator by the denominator.
  4. Step 4. Simplify if possible.

Example 4.75

Simplify: (12)24+32.

Try It 4.149

Simplify: (13)223+2.

Try It 4.150

Simplify: 1+42(14)2.

Example 4.76

Simplify: 12+233416.

Try It 4.151

Simplify: 13+123413.

Try It 4.152

Simplify: 231214+13.

Evaluate Variable Expressions with Fractions

We have evaluated expressions before, but now we can also evaluate expressions with fractions. Remember, to evaluate an expression, we substitute the value of the variable into the expression and then simplify.

Example 4.77

Evaluate x+13 when

  1. x=13
  2. x=34.

Try It 4.153

Evaluate: x+34 when

  1. x=74
  2. x=54

Try It 4.154

Evaluate: y+12 when

  1. y=23
  2. y=34

Example 4.78

Evaluate y56 when y=23.

Try It 4.155

Evaluate: y12 when y=14.

Try It 4.156

Evaluate: x38 when x=52.

Example 4.79

Evaluate 2x2y when x=14 and y=23.

Try It 4.157

Evaluate. 3ab2 when a=23 and b=12.

Try It 4.158

Evaluate. 4c3d when c=12 and d=43.

Example 4.80

Evaluate p+qr when p=−4,q=−2, and r=8.

Try It 4.159

Evaluate: a+bc when a=−8,b=−7,andc=6.

Try It 4.160

Evaluate: x+yz when x=9,y=−18,andz=−6.

Section 4.5 Exercises

Practice Makes Perfect

Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)

In the following exercises, find the least common denominator (LCD) for each set of fractions.

316.

23and34

317.

34and25

318.

712and58

319.

916and712

320.

1330and2542

321.

2330and548

322.

2135and3956

323.

1835and3349

324.

23,16,and34

325.

23,14,and35

Convert Fractions to Equivalent Fractions with the LCD

In the following exercises, convert to equivalent fractions using the LCD.

326.

13and14,LCD=12

327.

14and15,LCD=20

328.

512and78,LCD=24

329.

712and58,LCD=24

330.

1316and1112,LCD=48

331.

1116and512,LCD=48

332.

13,56,and34,LCD=12

333.

13,34,and35,LCD=60

Add and Subtract Fractions with Different Denominators

In the following exercises, add or subtract. Write the result in simplified form.

334.

13+15

335.

14+15

336.

12+17

337.

13+18

338.

13(19)

339.

14(18)

340.

15(110)

341.

12(16)

342.

23+34

343.

34+25

344.

712+58

345.

512+38

346.

712916

347.

716512

348.

111238

349.

58712

350.

2338

351.

5634

352.

1130+2740

353.

920+1730

354.

1330+2542

355.

2330+548

356.

39562235

357.

33491835

358.

23(34)

359.

34(45)

360.

916(45)

361.

720(58)

362.

1+78

363.

1+56

364.

159

365.

1310

366.

x3+14

367.

y2+23

368.

y435

369.

x514

Identify and Use Fraction Operations

In the following exercises, perform the indicated operations. Write your answers in simplified form.

370.
  1. 34+16
  2. 34÷16
371.
  1. 23+16
  2. 23÷16
372.
  1. 2518
  2. 25·18
373.
  1. 4518
  2. 45·18
374.
  1. 5n6÷815
  2. 5n6815
375.
  1. 3a8÷712
  2. 3a8712
376.
  1. 910·(11d12)
  2. 910+(11d12)
377.
  1. 415·(5q9)
  2. 415+(5q9)
378.

38÷(310)

379.

512÷(59)

380.

38+512

381.

18+712

382.

5619

383.

5916

384.

38·(1021)

385.

712·(835)

386.

715y4

387.

38x11

388.

1112a·9a16

389.

10y13·815y

Use the Order of Operations to Simplify Complex Fractions

In the following exercises, simplify.

390.

(15)22+32

391.

(13)25+22

392.

23+42(23)2

393.

3332(34)2

394.

(35)2(37)2

395.

(34)2(58)2

396.

213+15

397.

514+13

398.

23+123423

399.

34+125623

400.

782312+38

401.

343514+25

Mixed Practice

In the following exercises, simplify.

402.

12+23·512

403.

13+25·34

404.

135÷110

405.

156÷112

406.

23+16+34

407.

23+14+35

408.

3816+34

409.

25+5834

410.

12(920415)

411.

8(151656)

412.

58+161924

413.

16+3101430

414.

( 5 9 + 1 6 ) ÷ ( 2 3 1 2 ) ( 5 9 + 1 6 ) ÷ ( 2 3 1 2 )

415.

( 3 4 + 1 6 ) ÷ ( 5 8 1 3 ) ( 3 4 + 1 6 ) ÷ ( 5 8 1 3 )

In the following exercises, evaluate the given expression. Express your answers in simplified form, using improper fractions if necessary.

416.

x+12x+12 when

  1. x=18x=18
  2. x=12x=12
417.

x+23x+23 when

  1. x=16x=16
  2. x=53x=53
418.

x+(56)x+(56) when

  1. x=13x=13
  2. x=16x=16
419.

x+(1112)x+(1112) when

  1. x=1112x=1112
  2. x=34x=34
420.

x25x25 when

  1. x=35x=35
  2. x=35x=35
421.

x13x13 when

  1. x=23x=23
  2. x=23x=23
422.

710w710w when

  1. w=12w=12
  2. w=12w=12
423.

512w512w when

  1. w=14w=14
  2. w=14w=14
424.

4p2q4p2q when p=12andq=59p=12andq=59

425.

5 m 2 n when m = 2 5 and n = 1 3 5 m 2 n when m = 2 5 and n = 1 3

426.

2x2y3when x=23and y=12 2x2y3when x=23and y=12

427.

8 u 2 v 3 when u = 3 4 and v = 1 2 8 u 2 v 3 when u = 3 4 and v = 1 2

428.

u + v w when u = −4 , v = −8 , w = 2 u + v w when u = −4 , v = −8 , w = 2

429.

m + n p when m = −6 , n = −2 , p = 4 m + n p when m = −6 , n = −2 , p = 4

430.

a + b a b when a = −3 , b = 8 a + b a b when a = −3 , b = 8

431.

r s r + s when r = 10 , s = −5 r s r + s when r = 10 , s = −5

Everyday Math

432.

Decorating Laronda is making covers for the throw pillows on her sofa. For each pillow cover, she needs 316316 yard of print fabric and 3838 yard of solid fabric. What is the total amount of fabric Laronda needs for each pillow cover?

433.

Baking Vanessa is baking chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal cookies. She needs 114114 cups of sugar for the chocolate chip cookies, and 118118 cups for the oatmeal cookies How much sugar does she need altogether?

Writing Exercises

434.

Explain why it is necessary to have a common denominator to add or subtract fractions.

435.

Explain how to find the LCD of two fractions.

Self Check

After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

.

After looking at the checklist, do you think you are well prepared for the next section? Why or why not?

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