Subtracting/Adding Fractions

We went over adding and subtracting fractions in class.  Here are the 2 ways we discussed.  This also works for adding fractions.

Separate the whole numbers first.  Here, we have 11 - 4 = 7.

Then subtract your fractional parts (we had to find a common denominator first).

Since 1/8 came first, we have to subtract the 1/4 or 2/8 from it.  This give us -1/8.  Now we subtract our two parts

7-1/8.  When the denominator and numerator are the same, we know that it is equal to 1, so 8/8=1

In this method, we changed our mixed numbers into improper fractions.  From there we had to find a common denominator.   Then regular subtraction rules apply.  Once we find our improper fraction, we have to change it back to a mixed number.