Question

When adding and subtracting numbers do you add and subtract the denominator​

Answer 1

No, you don't.

Explanation:

The denominator only changes if you're multiplying/dividing. You may need to create an equivalent fraction to add the fractions together, but you don't add or subtract the denominator.

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Answer 2

No, you adjust the numerator and denominator to a common denominator, then do the addition/subtraction operations with with the numerator, and finally reduce it to the lowest fraction.

Example:

1/3 + 3/4 = ?

change to a common denominator (12 works for 3 and 4)

4/12 + 9/12 = ?

add the 9 and 12

4/12 + 9/12 = 13/12

reduce to lowest form

12/12 = 1 1/12

Explanation: