Adding and subtracting fractions

When adding fractions, make sure the denominator is the same.

The denominator is the number written below the division line on a fraction. It shows the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.

Let's look at adding fractions first.

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

This circle has been divided into 6 equal parts and \(\frac {3} {6}\) and \(\frac {2} {6}\) shaded.

To add \(\frac {3} {6}\) and \(\frac {2} {6}\), count the number of one sixths that have been shaded in total. The answer is \(\frac {5} {6}\).

How to subtract fractions

When subtracting fractions, the denominators still needs to be the same before you start the calculation.

This time, subtract one numerator from the other.

Let's look at a subtraction calculation:

\(\frac {6} {8}\) - \(\frac {2} {8}\) = ?

This bar model has been divided into 8 equal parts and \(\frac {6} {8}\) has been shaded.

If you take away \(\frac {2} {8}\) from \(\frac {6} {8}\) that are shaded, you can see that there are \(\frac {4} {8}\) left.