Page 195 - Math Smart - 7

8.5.2 Adding and subtracting unlike

fractions

Example 5

Add ^ and

Solution

1 . 1 _ 1 . 2
6
6 ^ 3 " ^ 6
_ 3
"
5
_ 1
"
2

If fractions do not have the same denominator, we express them as equivalent
fractions with the same denominators by finding the LCM of their denominators.

Example 6

O Work the following. Express your answers in the simplest form,
a) 1 + I b) _L
12
Solution
1+5^2 5
a) I and I do not have the same denominator.
3^6 6^6
_ 7
~ 6 The LCM of 3 and 6 is 6.
-6 1
"6^6
= 1+1

s_ 5_
b) I and do not have the same denominator.
12 12 12
-4
12 The LCM of 4 and 12 is 12.
1
3