Unlike fractions

How to convert unlike fractions into like fractions

1 Find LCM (lowest common multiple) for the given denominators.

2 For each of the unlike fraction numbers.

2.1 New Denominator = Change the denominator the LCM.

2.2 Divide the LCM by the denominator of the unlike fraction number.

2.3 New Numerator = Multiply the numerator by the the quotient from the previous step.

3. After the step 2 all the unlike fractions will have same denominator (LCM).

Or unlike fractions are converted to like fractions.

Example: How to convert unlike fractions into like fractions

1/6 and 3/8 = ?

LCM for 6 and 8 = 24

Adjust numerator to the LCM (24):

Convert 1/6:

Numerator multiplied by: 24/6 = 4

1/6 = 1 * 4/24 = 4/24

Convert 3/8:

Numerator multiplied by: 24/8 = 3

3/8 = 3 * 3/24 = 9/24

Result: 1/6 and 3/8 = 4/24 and 9/24

How to compare unlike fraction

1. Convert unlike fractions into like fractions.

2. The fraction (after converting into like fractions) which has biggest numerator

is the biggest fraction among the given fractions. If two or more fractions

have same numerator then both the fractions are equivalent fractions.

How to add unlike fraction

1. Convert unlike fractions into like fractions.

2. Denominator of the result = Denominator of the new like fractions (the LCM)

3. Numerator of the result = Add all the new numerator

4. Find HCF (highest common factor) of the numerator and denominator of the result.

5. Divide the numerator and denominator of the result by the HCF.

Example: Unlike fraction addition

4/10 + 1/3 = ?

LCM for 10 and 3 = 30

Adjust numerator to the LCM (30):

4/10 = 12/30

1/3 = 10/30

4/10 + 1/3 = 12/30 + 10/30 = 22/30

HCF the numerator and the denominator of the result fraction (22 and 30) = 2

Divide numerator and the denominator by the HCF (2); Result = 11/15

How to subtract unlike fraction

1. Convert unlike fractions into like fractions.

2. Denominator of the result = Denominator of the new like fractions (the LCM)

3. Numerator of the result = Find the difference between two numerators

4. Find HCF (highest common factor) of the numerator and denominator of the result.

5. Divide the numerator and denominator of the result by the HCF.

Example 4/10 - 1/3 = ?

4/10 - 1/3 = 12/30 - 10/30 = 22/30

HCF the numerator and the denominator of the result fraction (2 and 30) = 2

Divide numerator and the denominator by the HCF (2); Result = 1/15