Choose the better bet

Learning Objectives Find a common denominator for two fractions with unlike denominators. Generate equivalent fractions to prepare for addition or subtraction. Accurately add two fractions with unlike denominators. Accurately subtract two fractions with unlike denominators. Compare the sums of two different fraction addition problems. Solve word problems that require them to add fractions and then compare the results to 'choose the better bet'. You have two chances to win a prize! 🏆 Would you rather have a 1/4 chance plus a 1/8 chance, or a single 1/3 chance? Let's find out which is the better bet! In this lesson, you will learn how to add and subtract fractions that have different bottom numbers (denominators). This important skill helps us combine parts of...

TermDefinitionExample FractionA number that represents a part of a whole. It has a top number (numerator) and a bottom number (denominator).The fraction 3/5 means we have 3 parts out of a whole that is split into 5 equal parts. NumeratorThe top number in a fraction. It tells you how many parts you have.In the fraction 2/7, the numerator is 2. DenominatorThe bottom number in a fraction. It tells you how many equal parts the whole is divided into.In the fraction 2/7, the denominator is 7. Unlike DenominatorsWhen two or more fractions have different denominators.The fractions 1/3 and 1/4 have unlike denominators because 3 is not the same as 4. Common DenominatorA number that is a multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions. It's a new denominator that both fractions can use.Fo...

Finding a Common Denominator For fractions \( \frac{a}{b} \) and \( \frac{c}{d} \), a common denominator can be found by multiplying the denominators: \( b \times d \) Before you can add or subtract fractions with different denominators, you must make the denominators the same. Multiplying them together is a quick way to find a common denominator. Creating an Equivalent Fraction \( \frac{a}{b} = \frac{a \times n}{b \times n} \) To create an equivalent fraction, you must multiply both the numerator and the denominator by the same number. This changes how the fraction looks but does not change its value. Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators \( \frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{d} = \frac{(a \times d) + (c \times b)}{b \times d} \) First, find a common denominator (like b x d...