Fractions with the same denominator: plus and minus
You learn to add and subtract fractions that have the same number below the line.
How to work it out
- Check that the number below the line is the same in both.
- Add the numbers above the line, or subtract them.
- Keep the number below the line.
- Simplify the answer if you can.
1424
14 + 24
- Both have 4 at the bottom: the pieces are equal.
- Add the tops: 1 + 2 = 3.
- It is 34.
34
More examples
34 − 24
- Both have 4 at the bottom.
- Subtract the tops: 3 − 2 = 1.
- It is 14.
14
78 − 38
- Both have 8 at the bottom.
- Subtract the tops: 7 − 3 = 4, so 48.
- Simplify it: 48 is 12.
48
14 + 14
- Both have 4 at the bottom.
- Add the tops: 1 + 1 = 2, so 24.
- Simplify it: 24 is 12.
24