Addition &

Subtraction
Copyright © 1999 Lynda Greene
 Lesson – Finding the Least Common Multiple
(LCM)
Steps:
1. Write out the multiples of the first number.
2. Write out the multiples of the second number.
3. Find the smallest multiple that both numbers have
in common.

Example: Example:

4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 2: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16

5: 5, 10, 15, 20 8: 8
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 Lesson - Adding Fractions with
Unlike Denominators
Step:
1. Determine the denominators
2. Find the least common multiple (LCM).
3. Your least common multiple will become your least common
denominator (LCD).
4. Generate Equivalent Fractions using the LCM as the LCD.
5. Add or Subtract Fractions.

Example:

1 1 1 4 1 3 3 4 7
1.      
LCM: 3 4 3 12 4 12 12 12 12
3: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
4: 4, 8, 12

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 Lesson - Subtracting Fractions with
Unlike Denominators
Step:
1. Determine the denominators
2. Find the least common multiple (LCM).
3. Your least common multiple will become your least common
denominator (LCD).
4. Generate Equivalent Fractions using the LCM as the LCD.
5. Add or Subtract Fractions.

Example:

1. 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1
LCM:      
2: 2, 4, 6 2 4 2 4 4 4 4 4 4
4: 4

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Adding & Subtracting Fractions

The
‘Butterfly’
Method
Copyright © 1999 Lynda Greene
http://www.showme.com/sh/?h=bjq
XHvM
The “Butterfly” is a short-cut method used for
adding & subtracting any two fractions. The
usual method is called finding a “Common
Denominator”

Copyright © 1999 Lynda Greene

 Fractions: The Butterfly Method
2x5 4x3
2 4
+
3 5
Step 1:
Draw the wings
Copyright © 1999 Lynda Greene
 Fractions: The Butterfly Method

2 4
+
3 5 3 x 5 = 15

Step 2:
Multiply the denominators
Copyright © 1999 Lynda Greene
 Fractions: The Butterfly Method
2 x5 + 4x3

2 4 10 + 12 = 22

+
3 5 3 x 5 = 15

Step 3:
Compute the new numerators using the
Sign in the middle of the 2 fractions.
Copyright © 1999 Lynda Greene
 Fractions: The Butterfly Method
2 x5 + 4x3
22
2 4 15
+
3 5
Step 4:
Simplify the new fraction (answer).
Copyright © 1999 Lynda Greene
 Practice Problems
4 3
1.  
7 8
2 9
2.  
5 4
2 8
3.   
3 5

Copyright © 1999 Lynda Greene

 Try These

A D

B E

C F
 Try These
17 10
A 27 D 9

B 13 E 41
12 28

C 19 F 26
20 21