HomePublic NotesNote detailsFlashcards

Flashcards for:

How to Subtract Three Fractions with Different Denominators

What is the final step after finding the common denominator and subtracting the numerators?

Press to flip

The final step is to simplify the resulting fraction if possible, by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor.

How can we subtract three fractions with unlike denominators?

Press to flip

To subtract these fractions, we need to get the same denominator. A simple way to find the same denominator is to multiply the three denominators. It may not give us the LCM (the least common denominator), but it will be a common denominator.

Why do we multiply the three denominators to find a common denominator?

Press to flip

Multiplying the three denominators provides a common denominator for all fractions, ensuring they have the same base for subtraction.

What is the common denominator for the fractions with denominators 6, 5, and 4?

Press to flip

The common denominator for these fractions is 120.

How do you adjust the first fraction to have a common denominator of 120?

Press to flip

Multiply the first fraction by 5 * 4, which is 20, resulting in multiplying by 20 over 20.

How do you adjust the second fraction to have a common denominator of 120?

Press to flip

Multiply the second fraction by 6 * 4, which is 24, resulting in multiplying by 24 over 24.

How do you adjust the third fraction to have a common denominator of 120?

Press to flip

Multiply the third fraction by 6 * 5, which is 30, resulting in multiplying by 30 over 30.

Why is it important to have the same denominator when subtracting fractions?

Press to flip

Having the same denominator allows us to directly subtract the numerators, as they represent equal parts of the whole.

How do you subtract the numerators of fractions with the same denominator?

Press to flip

Subtract the numerators directly. For example, 100 minus 48 equals 52.

Can fractions be simplified after subtraction?

Press to flip

Yes, if both the numerator and the denominator of the resulting fraction are even, the fraction can be simplified.

How do you simplify the fraction 22/120?

Press to flip

By canceling out common factors, the fraction can be simplified to 11/60.

What is the process to find a common denominator for the fractions 7/9, 1/3, and 2/5?

Press to flip

The common denominator for these fractions is 45, which is found by multiplying the denominators 9 and 5.

How do you adjust the first fraction to have a common denominator of 45?

Press to flip

Multiply the first fraction by 5 to get a common denominator of 45.

How do you adjust the second fraction to have a common denominator of 45?

Press to flip

Multiply the second fraction by 9 to get a common denominator of 45.

How do you adjust the third fraction to have a common denominator of 45?

Press to flip

Multiply the third fraction by 15 to get a common denominator of 45.

What is the result of subtracting the numerators of the fractions with a common denominator of 45?

Press to flip

The result is 2 over 45 after subtracting the numerators 35, 15, and 18.

Can we use a different common denominator for subtraction?

Press to flip

Yes, any common multiple of the denominators can be used, but it may result in a fraction that needs to be simplified at the end.

What is the significance of finding the least common denominator?

Press to flip

The least common denominator (LCM) is the smallest number that all denominators can divide into without a remainder, making the resulting fraction simpler.

How do you perform long multiplication to find the common denominator?

Press to flip

Use the long multiplication method to multiply the denominators, ensuring that each step is carried over correctly to find the product.

What is the final step after finding the common denominator and subtracting the numerators?

Press to flip

The final step is to simplify the resulting fraction if possible, by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor.

How can we subtract three fractions with unlike denominators?

Press to flip

To subtract these fractions, we need to get the same denominator. A simple way to find the same denominator is to multiply the three denominators. It may not give us the LCM (the least common denominator), but it will be a common denominator.

    flashcard: How to Subtract Three Fractions with Different Denominators Easily