MathematicsClass 6Fractions
Addition and Subtraction of Fractions
Combining or finding the difference between fractions by converting them to a common denominator.
Class 6 · MathematicsCBSE & ICSE SOF IMO
Definition
To add or subtract like fractions, simply combine their numerators while keeping the denominator the same. To add or subtract unlike fractions, you must first convert them into equivalent like fractions by finding a common denominator.
Key formula
a/c + b/c = (a + b) / c
Worked examples
1
2/7 + 3/7 = (2 + 3)/7 = 5/7 (Like fractions).
2
1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6 (Unlike fractions, using the common denominator 6).
Common mistakes
- • Adding or subtracting the denominators directly (e.g., writing 1/2 + 1/3 = 2/5).
- • Forgetting to find a common denominator before adding or subtracting unlike fractions.