Add and Subtract Fractions - Elementary Algebra

1.6 Add and Subtract Fractions

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Add or subtract fractions with a common denominator
Add or subtract fractions with different denominators
Use the order of operations to simplify complex fractions
Evaluate variable expressions with fractions

Be Prepared 1.6

A more thorough introduction to the topics covered in this section can be found in the Prealgebra chapter, Fractions.

Add or Subtract Fractions with a Common Denominator

When we multiplied fractions, we just multiplied the numerators and multiplied the denominators right straight across. To add or subtract fractions, they must have a common denominator.

Fraction Addition and Subtraction

If $a, b, and c$ are numbers where $c \neq 0,$ then

\frac{a}{c} + \frac{b}{c} = \frac{a + b}{c} and \frac{a}{c} - \frac{b}{c} = \frac{a - b}{c}

To add or subtract fractions, add or subtract the numerators and place the result over the common denominator.

Manipulative Mathematics

Doing the Manipulative Mathematics activities “Model Fraction Addition” and “Model Fraction Subtraction” will help you develop a better understanding of adding and subtracting fractions.

Example 1.77

Find the sum: $\frac{x}{3} + \frac{2}{3} .$

Solution

	$\frac{x}{3} + \frac{2}{3}$
Add the numerators and place the sum over the common denominator.	$\frac{x + 2}{3}$

Table 1.24 Illustrates adding fractions with a common denominator, showing the operation and the resulting expression.

Try It 1.153

Find the sum: $\frac{x}{4} + \frac{3}{4} .$

Try It 1.154

Find the sum: $\frac{y}{8} + \frac{5}{8} .$

Example 1.78

Find the difference: $- \frac{23}{24} - \frac{13}{24} .$

Solution

	$- \frac{23}{24} - \frac{13}{24}$
Subtract the numerators and place the difference over the common denominator.	$\frac{−23 - 13}{24}$
Simplify.	$\frac{−36}{24}$
Simplify. Remember, $- \frac{a}{b} = \frac{− a}{b}$ .	$- \frac{3}{2}$

This table illustrates the step-by-step process of subtracting fractions with common denominators and simplifying the final result.

Try It 1.155

Find the difference: $- \frac{19}{28} - \frac{7}{28} .$

Try It 1.156

Find the difference: $- \frac{27}{32} - \frac{1}{32} .$

Example 1.79

Simplify: $- \frac{10}{x} - \frac{4}{x} .$

Solution

	$- \frac{10}{x} - \frac{4}{x}$
Subtract the numerators and place the difference over the common denominator.	$\frac{−14}{x}$
Rewrite with the sign in front of the fraction.	$- \frac{14}{x}$

Step-by-step simplification of algebraic fractions with a common denominator.

Try It 1.157

Find the difference: $- \frac{9}{x} - \frac{7}{x} .$

Try It 1.158

Find the difference: $- \frac{17}{a} - \frac{5}{a} .$

Now we will do an example that has both addition and subtraction.

Example 1.80

Simplify: $\frac{3}{8} + (- \frac{5}{8}) - \frac{1}{8} .$

Solution

Add and subtract fractions—do they have a common denominator? Yes.	$\frac{3}{8} + (- \frac{5}{8}) - \frac{1}{8}$
Add and subtract the numerators and place the difference over the common denominator.	$\frac{3 + (−5) - 1}{8}$
Simplify left to right.	$\frac{−2 - 1}{8}$
Simplify.	$- \frac{3}{8}$

Table 1.25 This table illustrates the step-by-step process for adding and subtracting fractions that share a common denominator.

Try It 1.159

Simplify: $- \frac{2}{9} + (- \frac{4}{9}) - \frac{7}{9} .$

Try It 1.160

Simplify: $\frac{5}{9} + (- \frac{4}{9}) - \frac{7}{9} .$

Add or Subtract Fractions with Different Denominators

As we have seen, to add or subtract fractions, their denominators must be the same. The least common denominator (LCD) of two fractions is the smallest number that can be used as a common denominator of the fractions. The LCD of the two fractions is the least common multiple (LCM) of their denominators.

Least Common Denominator

The least common denominator (LCD) of two fractions is the least common multiple (LCM) of their denominators.

Manipulative Mathematics

Doing the Manipulative Mathematics activity “Finding the Least Common Denominator” will help you develop a better understanding of the LCD.

After we find the least common denominator of two fractions, we convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with the LCD. Putting these steps together allows us to add and subtract fractions because their denominators will be the same!

Example 1.81

How to Add or Subtract Fractions

Add: $\frac{7}{12} + \frac{5}{18} .$

Solution

$In this figure, we have a table with directions on the left, hints or explanations in the middle, and mathematical statements on the right. On the first line, we have “Step 1. Do they have a common denominator? No – rewrite each fraction with the LCD (least common denominator).” To the right of this, we have the statement “No. Find the LCD 12, 18.” To the right of this, we have 12 equals 2 times 2 times 3 and 18 equals 2 times 3 times 3. The LCD is hence 2 times 2 times 3 times 3, which equals 36. As another hint, we have “Change into equivalent fractions with the LCD,. Do not simplify the equivalent fractions! If you do, you’ll get back to the original fractions and lose the common denominator!” To the right of this, we have 7/12 plus 5/18, which becomes the quantity (7 times 3) over the quantity (12 times 3) plus the quantity (5 times 2) over the quantity (18 times 2), which becomes 21/36 plus 10/36.$ $The next step reads “Step 2. Add or subtract the fractions.” The hint reads “Add.” And we have 31/36.$ The final step reads “Step 3. Simplify, if possible.” The explanation reads “Because 31 is a prime number, it has no factors in common with 36. The answer is simplified.”

The final step reads “Step 3. Simplify, if possible.” The explanation reads “Because 31 is a prime number, it has no factors in common with 36. The answer is simplified.”

Try It 1.161

Add: $\frac{7}{12} + \frac{11}{15} .$

Try It 1.162

Add: $\frac{13}{15} + \frac{17}{20} .$

How To

Add or Subtract Fractions.

Step 1.
Do they have a common denominator?
- Yes—go to step 2.
- No—rewrite each fraction with the LCD (least common denominator). Find the LCD. Change each fraction into an equivalent fraction with the LCD as its denominator.
Step 2. Add or subtract the fractions.
Step 3. Simplify, if possible.

When finding the equivalent fractions needed to create the common denominators, there is a quick way to find the number we need to multiply both the numerator and denominator. This method works if we found the LCD by factoring into primes.

Look at the factors of the LCD and then at each column above those factors. The “missing” factors of each denominator are the numbers we need.

The number 12 is factored into 2 times 2 times 3 with an extra space after the 3, and the number 18 is factored into 2 times 3 times 3 with an extra space between the 2 and the first 3. There are arrows pointing to these extra spaces that are marked “missing factors.” The LCD is marked as 2 times 2 times 3 times 3, which is equal to 36. The numbers that create the LCD are the factors from 12 and 18, with the common factors counted only once (namely, the first 2 and the first 3).

In Example 1.81, the LCD, 36, has two factors of 2 and two factors of $3 .$

The numerator 12 has two factors of 2 but only one of 3—so it is “missing” one 3—we multiply the numerator and denominator by 3.

The numerator 18 is missing one factor of 2—so we multiply the numerator and denominator by 2.

We will apply this method as we subtract the fractions in Example 1.82.

Example 1.82

Subtract: $\frac{7}{15} - \frac{19}{24} .$

Solution

Do the fractions have a common denominator? No, so we need to find the LCD.

Find the LCD. $The image shows the calculation of the Least Common Denominator (LCD) for the fractions 7/15 and 19/24. It details the prime factorization of 15 (35) and 24 (2223), leading to an LCD of 120.$
Notice, 15 is “missing” three factors of 2 and 24 is “missing” the 5 from the factors of the LCD. So we multiply 8 in the first fraction and 5 in the second fraction to get the LCD.
Rewrite as equivalent fractions with the LCD.	$A mathematical expression showing the subtraction of two fractions: (7 multiplied by 8) divided by (15 multiplied by 8), minus (19 multiplied by 5) divided by (24 multiplied by 5). The numbers 8 and 5 are highlighted in red.$
Simplify.	$A mathematical expression showing the subtraction of two fractions with a common denominator: 56/120 - 95/120.$
Subtract.	$− \frac{39}{120}$
Check to see if the answer can be simplified.	$− \frac{13 \cdot 3}{40 \cdot 3}$
Both 39 and 120 have a factor of 3.
Simplify.	$− \frac{13}{40}$

Do not simplify the equivalent fractions! If you do, you’ll get back to the original fractions and lose the common denominator!

Try It 1.163

Subtract: $\frac{13}{24} - \frac{17}{32} .$

Try It 1.164

Subtract: $\frac{21}{32} - \frac{9}{28} .$

In the next example, one of the fractions has a variable in its numerator. Notice that we do the same steps as when both numerators are numbers.

Example 1.83

Add: $\frac{3}{5} + \frac{x}{8} .$

Solution

The fractions have different denominators.

		$A mathematical expression showing the sum of two fractions: 3/5 plus x/8. The numbers and variable are in black text on a white background.$
Find the LCD.
Rewrite as equivalent fractions with the LCD.		$A mathematical expression shows the addition of two fractions: (3 times 8) divided by (5 times 8) plus (x times 5) divided by (8 times 5). The numbers 8 and 5 in red highlight common factors.$
Simplify.		$A mathematical expression shows the sum of two fractions, 24/40 and 5x/40. Both fractions share a common denominator of 40.$
Add.		$A mathematical expression showing the fraction (24 + 5x) / 40.$

Remember, we can only add like terms: 24 and 5x are not like terms.

Try It 1.165

Add: $\frac{y}{6} + \frac{7}{9} .$

Try It 1.166

Add: $\frac{x}{6} + \frac{7}{15} .$

We now have all four operations for fractions. Table 1.26 summarizes fraction operations.

Fraction Multiplication	Fraction Division
$\frac{a}{b} \cdot \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a c}{b d}$ Multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators	$\frac{a}{b} \div \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a}{b} \cdot \frac{d}{c}$ Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second.
Fraction Addition	Fraction Subtraction
$\frac{a}{c} + \frac{b}{c} = \frac{a + b}{c}$ Add the numerators and place the sum over the common denominator.	$\frac{a}{c} - \frac{b}{c} = \frac{a - b}{c}$ Subtract the numerators and place the difference over the common denominator.
To multiply or divide fractions, an LCD is NOT needed. To add or subtract fractions, an LCD is needed.

Table 1.26

Example 1.84

Simplify: ⓐ $\frac{5 x}{6} - \frac{3}{10}$ ⓑ $\frac{5 x}{6} \cdot \frac{3}{10} .$

Solution

First ask, “What is the operation?” Once we identify the operation that will determine whether we need a common denominator. Remember, we need a common denominator to add or subtract, but not to multiply or divide.

ⓐ What is the operation? The operation is subtraction. Do the fractions have a common denominator? No. Rewrite each fraction as an equivalent fraction with the LCD. Subtract the numerators and place the difference over the common denominators. Simplify, if possible. There are no common factors. The fraction is simplified.	$\begin{matrix} \frac{5 x}{6} - \frac{3}{10} \\ \frac{5 x \cdot 5}{6 \cdot 5} - \frac{3 \cdot 3}{10 \cdot 3} \\ \frac{25 x}{30} - \frac{9}{30} \\ \frac{25 x - 9}{30} \end{matrix}$
ⓑ What is the operation? Multiplication. To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators. Rewrite, showing common factors. Remove common factors. Simplify.	$\begin{matrix} \frac{5 x}{6} \cdot \frac{3}{10} \\ \frac{5 x \cdot 3}{6 \cdot 10} \\ \frac{5 x \cdot 3}{2 \cdot 3 \cdot 2 \cdot 5} \\ \frac{x}{4} \end{matrix}$

Demonstrates fraction operations (subtraction, multiplication) with verbal explanations and step-by-step mathematical solutions.

Notice we needed an LCD to add $\frac{5 x}{6} - \frac{3}{10},$ but not to multiply $\frac{5 x}{6} \cdot \frac{3}{10} .$

Try It 1.167

Simplify: ⓐ $\frac{3 a}{4} - \frac{8}{9}$ ⓑ $\frac{3 a}{4} \cdot \frac{8}{9} .$

Try It 1.168

Simplify: ⓐ $\frac{4 k}{5} - \frac{1}{6}$ ⓑ $\frac{4 k}{5} \cdot \frac{1}{6} .$

Use the Order of Operations to Simplify Complex Fractions

We have seen that a complex fraction is a fraction in which the numerator or denominator contains a fraction. The fraction bar indicates division. We simplified the complex fraction $\frac{\frac{3}{4}}{\frac{5}{8}}$ by dividing $\frac{3}{4}$ by $\frac{5}{8} .$

Now we’ll look at complex fractions where the numerator or denominator contains an expression that can be simplified. So we first must completely simplify the numerator and denominator separately using the order of operations. Then we divide the numerator by the denominator.

Example 1.85

How to Simplify Complex Fractions

Simplify: $\frac{{(\frac{1}{2})}^{2}}{4 + 3^{2}} .$

Solution

In this figure, we have a table with directions on the left and mathematical statements on the right. On the first line, we have “Step 1. Simplify the numerator. Remember one half squared means one half times one half.” To the right of this, we have the quantity (1/2) squared all over the quantity (4 plus 3 squared). Then, we have 1/4 over the quantity (4 plus 3 squared).

The next line’s direction reads “Step 2. Simplify the denominator.” To the right of this, we have 1/4 over the quantity (4 plus 9), under which we have 1/4 over 13.

The final step is “Step 3. Divide the numerator by the denominator. Simplify if possible. Remember, thirteen equals thirteen over 1.” To the right we have 1/4 divided by 13. Then we have 1/4 times 1/13, which equals 1/52.

Try It 1.169

Simplify: $\frac{{(\frac{1}{3})}^{2}}{2^{3} + 2} .$

Try It 1.170

Simplify: $\frac{1 + 4^{2}}{{(\frac{1}{4})}^{2}} .$

How To

Simplify Complex Fractions.

Step 1. Simplify the numerator.
Step 2. Simplify the denominator.
Step 3. Divide the numerator by the denominator. Simplify if possible.

Example 1.86

Simplify: $\frac{\frac{1}{2} + \frac{2}{3}}{\frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{6}} .$

Solution

It may help to put parentheses around the numerator and the denominator.

	$\frac{(\frac{1}{2} + \frac{2}{3})}{(\frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{6})}$
Simplify the numerator (LCD = 6) and simplify the denominator (LCD = 12).	$\frac{(\frac{3}{6} + \frac{4}{6})}{(\frac{9}{12} - \frac{2}{12})}$
Simplify.	$\frac{(\frac{7}{6})}{(\frac{7}{12})}$
Divide the numerator by the denominator.	$\frac{7}{6} \div \frac{7}{12}$
Simplify.	$\frac{7}{6} \cdot \frac{12}{7}$
Divide out common factors.	$\frac{7 \cdot 6 \cdot 2}{6 \cdot 7}$
Simplify.	$2$

Table 1.27 This table illustrates the step-by-step process of simplifying a complex mathematical fraction, showing the progressive transformation of the expression.

Try It 1.171

Simplify: $\frac{\frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{2}}{\frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{3}} .$

Try It 1.172

Simplify: $\frac{\frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{2}}{\frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{3}} .$

Evaluate Variable Expressions with Fractions

We have evaluated expressions before, but now we can evaluate expressions with fractions. Remember, to evaluate an expression, we substitute the value of the variable into the expression and then simplify.

Example 1.87

Evaluate $x + \frac{1}{3}$ when ⓐ $x = - \frac{1}{3}$ ⓑ $x = - \frac{3}{4} .$

Solution

ⓐ To evaluate $x + \frac{1}{3}$ when $x = - \frac{1}{3},$ substitute $- \frac{1}{3}$ for $x$ in the expression.

$A mathematical expression showing 'x' plus the fraction '1/3'.$

Simplify. 0
ⓑ To evaluate $x + \frac{1}{3}$ when $x = - \frac{3}{4},$ we substitute $- \frac{3}{4}$ for x in the expression.

$Text: Substitute -3/4 for x. The fraction -3/4 is highlighted in red.$ $A mathematical expression showing the addition of two fractions: negative three-fourths plus one-third. The number three and four are in red color, while the negative sign and fractions for one-third are in black.$

Rewrite as equivalent fractions with the LCD, 12. $An equation for adding -3/4 and 1/3, showing the fractions multiplied by factors to achieve a common denominator of 12: -(3*3)/(4*3) + (1*4)/(3*4).$

Simplify. $A mathematical expression showing the addition of two fractions with the same denominator: -9/12 + 4/12.$

Add. $- \frac{5}{12}$

Try It 1.173

Evaluate $x + \frac{3}{4}$ when ⓐ $x = - \frac{7}{4}$ ⓑ $x = - \frac{5}{4} .$

Try It 1.174

Evaluate $y + \frac{1}{2}$ when ⓐ $y = \frac{2}{3}$ ⓑ $y = - \frac{3}{4} .$

Example 1.88

Evaluate $- \frac{5}{6} - y$ when $y = - \frac{2}{3} .$

Solution


$The image displays the mathematical instruction 'Substitute -2/3 for y.' in a gray sans-serif font, with the fraction '-2/3' highlighted in red.$	$A mathematical expression showing the subtraction of two negative fractions: -5/6 - (-2/3), where the second fraction -2/3 is enclosed in parentheses and highlighted in red.$
Rewrite as equivalent fractions with the LCD, 6.	$A mathematical expression showing the subtraction of negative five-sixths and negative four-sixths, written as -5/6 - (-4/6), where the second fraction is enclosed in parentheses and in red.$
Subtract.	$A mathematical expression showing the fraction: negative 5 minus negative 4, all divided by 6.$
Simplify.	$- \frac{1}{6}$

Try It 1.175

Evaluate $- \frac{1}{2} - y$ when $y = - \frac{1}{4} .$

Try It 1.176

Evaluate $- \frac{3}{8} - y$ when $y = - \frac{5}{2} .$

Example 1.89

Evaluate $2 x^{2} y$ when $x = \frac{1}{4}$ and $y = - \frac{2}{3} .$

Solution

Substitute the values into the expression.

	$2 x^{2} y$
$The image shows the instruction: 'Substitute 1/4 for x and -2/3 for y.' The fraction 1/4 is colored red, and -2/3 is colored light blue, making them visually distinct from the black text.$	$A mathematical expression showing the product of 2, the square of 1/4, and -2/3. The fraction 1/4 is colored red and -2/3 is colored blue, highlighting different parts of the expression.$
Simplify exponents first.	$2 (\frac{1}{16}) (- \frac{2}{3})$
Multiply. Divide out the common factors. Notice we write 16 as $2 \cdot 2 \cdot 4$ to make it easy to remove common factors.	$- \frac{2 \cdot 1 \cdot 2}{2 \cdot 2 \cdot 4 \cdot 3}$
Simplify.	$- \frac{1}{12}$

Try It 1.177

Evaluate $3 a b^{2}$ when $a = - \frac{2}{3}$ and $b = - \frac{1}{2} .$

Try It 1.178

Evaluate $4 c^{3} d$ when $c = - \frac{1}{2}$ and $d = - \frac{4}{3} .$

The next example will have only variables, no constants.

Example 1.90

Evaluate $\frac{p + q}{r}$ when $p = −4, q = −2, and r = 8 .$

Solution

To evaluate $\frac{p + q}{r}$ when $p = −4, q = −2, and r = 8,$ we substitute the values into the expression.

	$\frac{p + q}{r}$
	$A mathematical fraction is displayed, with the numerator being '-4 + (-2)' and the denominator being '8'.$
Add in the numerator first.	$\frac{−6}{8}$
Simplify.	$- \frac{3}{4}$

Try It 1.179

Evaluate $\frac{a + b}{c}$ when $a = −8, b = −7, and c = 6 .$

Try It 1.180

Evaluate $\frac{x + y}{z}$ when $x = 9, y = −18, and z = −6 .$

Section 1.6 Exercises

Practice Makes Perfect

Add and Subtract Fractions with a Common Denominator

In the following exercises, add.

425.

$\frac{6}{13} + \frac{5}{13}$

426.

$\frac{4}{15} + \frac{7}{15}$

427.

$\frac{x}{4} + \frac{3}{4}$

428.

$\frac{8}{q} + \frac{6}{q}$

429.

$- \frac{3}{16} + (- \frac{7}{16})$

430.

$- \frac{5}{16} + (- \frac{9}{16})$

431.

$- \frac{8}{17} + \frac{15}{17}$

432.

$- \frac{9}{19} + \frac{17}{19}$

433.

$\frac{6}{13} + (- \frac{10}{13}) + (- \frac{12}{13})$

434.

$\frac{5}{12} + (- \frac{7}{12}) + (- \frac{11}{12})$

In the following exercises, subtract.

435.

$\frac{11}{15} - \frac{7}{15}$

436.

$\frac{9}{13} - \frac{4}{13}$

437.

$\frac{11}{12} - \frac{5}{12}$

438.

$\frac{7}{12} - \frac{5}{12}$

439.

$\frac{19}{21} - \frac{4}{21}$

440.

$\frac{17}{21} - \frac{8}{21}$

441.

$\frac{5 y}{8} - \frac{7}{8}$

442.

$\frac{11 z}{13} - \frac{8}{13}$

443.

$- \frac{23}{u} - \frac{15}{u}$

444.

$- \frac{29}{v} - \frac{26}{v}$

445.

$- \frac{3}{5} - (- \frac{4}{5})$

446.

$- \frac{3}{7} - (- \frac{5}{7})$

447.

$- \frac{7}{9} - (- \frac{5}{9})$

448.

$- \frac{8}{11} - (- \frac{5}{11})$

Mixed Practice

In the following exercises, simplify.

449.

$- \frac{5}{18} \cdot \frac{9}{10}$

450.

$- \frac{3}{14} \cdot \frac{7}{12}$

451.

$\frac{n}{5} - \frac{4}{5}$

452.

$\frac{6}{11} - \frac{s}{11}$

453.

$- \frac{7}{24} + \frac{2}{24}$

454.

$- \frac{5}{18} + \frac{1}{18}$

455.

$\frac{8}{15} \div \frac{12}{5}$

456.

$\frac{7}{12} \div \frac{9}{28}$

Add or Subtract Fractions with Different Denominators

In the following exercises, add or subtract.

457.

$\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{7}$

458.

$\frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{8}$

459.

$\frac{1}{3} - (- \frac{1}{9})$

460.

$\frac{1}{4} - (- \frac{1}{8})$

461.

$\frac{7}{12} + \frac{5}{8}$

462.

$\frac{5}{12} + \frac{3}{8}$

463.

$\frac{7}{12} - \frac{9}{16}$

464.

$\frac{7}{16} - \frac{5}{12}$

465.

$\frac{2}{3} - \frac{3}{8}$

466.

$\frac{5}{6} - \frac{3}{4}$

467.

$- \frac{11}{30} + \frac{27}{40}$

468.

$- \frac{9}{20} + \frac{17}{30}$

469.

$- \frac{13}{30} + \frac{25}{42}$

470.

$- \frac{23}{30} + \frac{5}{48}$

471.

$- \frac{39}{56} - \frac{22}{35}$

472.

$- \frac{33}{49} - \frac{18}{35}$

473.

$- \frac{2}{3} - (- \frac{3}{4})$

474.

$- \frac{3}{4} - (- \frac{4}{5})$

475.

$1 + \frac{7}{8}$

476.

$1 - \frac{3}{10}$

477.

$\frac{x}{3} + \frac{1}{4}$

478.

$\frac{y}{2} + \frac{2}{3}$

479.

$\frac{y}{4} - \frac{3}{5}$

480.

$\frac{x}{5} - \frac{1}{4}$

Mixed Practice

In the following exercises, simplify.

481.

ⓐ $\frac{2}{3} + \frac{1}{6}$ ⓑ $\frac{2}{3} \div \frac{1}{6}$

482.

ⓐ $- \frac{2}{5} - \frac{1}{8}$ ⓑ $- \frac{2}{5} \cdot \frac{1}{8}$

483.

ⓐ $\frac{5 n}{6} \div \frac{8}{15}$ ⓑ $\frac{5 n}{6} - \frac{8}{15}$

484.

ⓐ $\frac{3 a}{8} \div \frac{7}{12}$ ⓑ $\frac{3 a}{8} - \frac{7}{12}$

485.

$- \frac{3}{8} \div (- \frac{3}{10})$

486.

$- \frac{5}{12} \div (- \frac{5}{9})$

487.

$- \frac{3}{8} + \frac{5}{12}$

488.

$- \frac{1}{8} + \frac{7}{12}$

489.

$\frac{5}{6} - \frac{1}{9}$

490.

$\frac{5}{9} - \frac{1}{6}$

491.

$- \frac{7}{15} - \frac{y}{4}$

492.

$- \frac{3}{8} - \frac{x}{11}$

493.

$\frac{11}{12 a} \cdot \frac{9 a}{16}$

494.

$\frac{10 y}{13} \cdot \frac{8}{15 y}$

Use the Order of Operations to Simplify Complex Fractions

In the following exercises, simplify.

495.

$\frac{2^{3} + 4^{2}}{{(\frac{2}{3})}^{2}}$

496.

$\frac{3^{3} - 3^{2}}{{(\frac{3}{4})}^{2}}$

497.

$\frac{{(\frac{3}{5})}^{2}}{{(\frac{3}{7})}^{2}}$

498.

$\frac{{(\frac{3}{4})}^{2}}{{(\frac{5}{8})}^{2}}$

499.

$\frac{2}{\frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{5}}$

500.

$\frac{5}{\frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{3}}$

501.

$\frac{\frac{7}{8} - \frac{2}{3}}{\frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{8}}$

502.

$\frac{\frac{3}{4} - \frac{3}{5}}{\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{5}}$

503.

$\frac{1}{2} + \frac{2}{3} \cdot \frac{5}{12}$

504.

$\frac{1}{3} + \frac{2}{5} \cdot \frac{3}{4}$

505.

$1 - \frac{3}{5} \div \frac{1}{10}$

506.

$1 - \frac{5}{6} \div \frac{1}{12}$

507.

$\frac{2}{3} + \frac{1}{6} + \frac{3}{4}$

508.

$\frac{2}{3} + \frac{1}{4} + \frac{3}{5}$

509.

$\frac{3}{8} - \frac{1}{6} + \frac{3}{4}$

510.

$\frac{2}{5} + \frac{5}{8} - \frac{3}{4}$

511.

$12 (\frac{9}{20} - \frac{4}{15})$

512.

$8 (\frac{15}{16} - \frac{5}{6})$

513.

$\frac{\frac{5}{8} + \frac{1}{6}}{\frac{19}{24}}$

514.

$\frac{\frac{1}{6} + \frac{3}{10}}{\frac{14}{30}}$

515.

$(\frac{5}{9} + \frac{1}{6}) \div (\frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{2})$

516.

$(\frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{6}) \div (\frac{5}{8} - \frac{1}{3})$

Evaluate Variable Expressions with Fractions

In the following exercises, evaluate.

517.

$x + (- \frac{5}{6})$ when
ⓐ $x = \frac{1}{3}$
ⓑ $x = - \frac{1}{6}$

518.

$x + (- \frac{11}{12})$ when
ⓐ $x = \frac{11}{12}$ ⓑ $x = \frac{3}{4}$

519.

$x - \frac{2}{5}$ when ⓐ $x = \frac{3}{5}$ ⓑ $x = - \frac{3}{5}$

520.

$x - \frac{1}{3}$ when ⓐ $x = \frac{2}{3}$ ⓑ $x = - \frac{2}{3}$

521.

$\frac{7}{10} - w$ when ⓐ $w = \frac{1}{2}$ ⓑ $w = - \frac{1}{2}$

522.

$\frac{5}{12} - w$ when ⓐ $w = \frac{1}{4}$ ⓑ $w = - \frac{1}{4}$

523.

$2 x^{2} y^{3}$ when $x = - \frac{2}{3}$ and $y = - \frac{1}{2}$

524.

$8 u^{2} v^{3}$ when $u = - \frac{3}{4}$ and $v = - \frac{1}{2}$

525.

$\frac{a + b}{a - b}$ when $a = −3, b = 8$

526.

$\frac{r - s}{r + s}$ when $r = 10, s = −5$

Everyday Math

527.

Decorating Laronda is making covers for the throw pillows on her sofa. For each pillow cover, she needs $\frac{1}{2}$ yard of print fabric and $\frac{3}{8}$ yard of solid fabric. What is the total amount of fabric Laronda needs for each pillow cover?

528.

Baking Vanessa is baking chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal cookies. She needs $\frac{1}{2}$ cup of sugar for the chocolate chip cookies and $\frac{1}{4}$ of sugar for the oatmeal cookies. How much sugar does she need altogether?

Writing Exercises

529.

Why do you need a common denominator to add or subtract fractions? Explain.

530.

How do you find the LCD of 2 fractions?

Self Check

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

$This is a table that has five rows and four columns. In the first row, which is a header row, the cells read from left to right “I can…,” “Confidently,” “With some help,” and “No-I don’t get it!” The first column below “I can…” reads “add and subtract fractions with different denominators,” “identify and use fraction operations,” “use the order of operations to simplify complex fractions,” and “evaluate variable expressions with fractions.” The rest of the cells are blank.$

ⓑ After looking at the checklist, do you think you are well-prepared for the next chapter? Why or why not?

	$A mathematical expression showing 'x' plus the fraction '1/3'.$

Simplify.	0


$Text: Substitute -3/4 for x. The fraction -3/4 is highlighted in red.$	$A mathematical expression showing the addition of two fractions: negative three-fourths plus one-third. The number three and four are in red color, while the negative sign and fractions for one-third are in black.$
Rewrite as equivalent fractions with the LCD, 12.	$An equation for adding -3/4 and 1/3, showing the fractions multiplied by factors to achieve a common denominator of 12: -(33)/(43) + (14)/(34).$
Simplify.	$A mathematical expression showing the addition of two fractions with the same denominator: -9/12 + 4/12.$
Add.	$- \frac{5}{12}$