 Part 2: Fractions With Different Denominators The fractions are made from pieces that are NOT the same size. Example 1:  The problem here is that each fraction is divided up into different sixes.We can't add quarters to halves! Here's the picture:  In order to combine pieces, you'll have to use what you learned about equivalent fractions. We can change halves into quarters:  Now we can add the quarters:  
In words: "Three quarters plus one half is the same as three quarters plus two quarters, which adds to five quarters, or one whole and an extra quarter". Example 2: 
Once again the denominators are different sizes.We can't subtract 'twelfths' from 'sixths'. Here's the picture:  In order to subtract pieces, you'll have to use what you learned about equivalent fractions. We can change sixths into twelfths:  Now we can subtract:   In words: "Five sixths minus five twelfths is the same as ten twelfths minus five twelfths which results in five twelfths". Move on to page three for the next examples, where both fractions need to be changed ... |