How to add and subtract fractions

It's easy to add and subtract fractions when the numbers on the bottom are the same.

These are called the denominators.

\( \frac{2}{9} \) + \( \frac{5}{9} \) = \( \frac{7}{9} \)

However, sometimes the denominators are different.

\( \frac{1}{2} \) + \( \frac{1}{3} \) = ?

You can use equivalent fractions to make them the same.

A common multiple of 2 and 3 is 6.

So, for each fraction we need an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 6.

To find the equivalent fraction for \( \frac{1}{2} \) we need to multiply the numerator and denominator by 3.

\( \frac{1}{2} \) = \( \frac{3}{6} \)

And to find the equivalent fraction for\( \frac{1}{3} \) we must multiply the numerator and denominator by 2.

\( \frac{1}{3} \) = \( \frac{2}{6} \)

Now the denominators are the same we can add them together.

\( \frac{3}{6} \) + \( \frac{2}{6} \) = \( \frac{5}{6} \)