What are Like Fractions? Simple Explanation

📚 What are Like Fractions?

Like fractions are fractions that have the same denominator. The denominator is the bottom number of a fraction. When fractions share the same bottom number, they are easy to add, subtract, and compare.

➕ Examples of Like Fractions

• 🍎 Example 1: $\frac{1}{5}$, $\frac{2}{5}$, and $\frac{4}{5}$ are like fractions because they all have a denominator of 5.
• 🍇 Example 2: $\frac{3}{8}$, $\frac{1}{8}$, and $\frac{5}{8}$ are like fractions because they all have a denominator of 8.

➖ How to Add Like Fractions

Adding like fractions is simple! Just add the numerators (the top numbers) and keep the denominator the same.

• ➕ Step 1: Make sure the fractions have the same denominator. If they do, you're good to go!
• 🔢 Step 2: Add the numerators. For example, $\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1+2}{4}$
• ✅ Step 3: Simplify the fraction if needed. $\frac{1+2}{4} = \frac{3}{4}$

➗ How to Subtract Like Fractions

Subtracting like fractions is just as easy as adding them! Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

• ➖ Step 1: Ensure the fractions have the same denominator.
• 💡 Step 2: Subtract the numerators. For example, $\frac{5}{7} - \frac{2}{7} = \frac{5-2}{7}$
• ✏️ Step 3: Simplify the fraction if necessary. $\frac{5-2}{7} = \frac{3}{7}$

🔎 How to Compare Like Fractions

Comparing like fractions is easy! Just look at the numerators. The fraction with the larger numerator is the larger fraction.

• ⚖️ Step 1: Check that the fractions have the same denominator.
• 🍎 Step 2: Compare the numerators. For example, comparing $\frac{2}{9}$ and $\frac{5}{9}$, since 5 is greater than 2, $\frac{5}{9}$ is larger.
• ✔️ Step 3: Use the greater than (>) or less than (<) symbol to show the comparison: $\frac{2}{9} < \frac{5}{9}$

📝 Practice Quiz

See if you've mastered like fractions!

1. Which of the following are like fractions: $\frac{1}{3}$, $\frac{2}{3}$, $\frac{5}{3}$?
2. Solve: $\frac{2}{5} + \frac{1}{5} = ?$
3. Solve: $\frac{7}{8} - \frac{3}{8} = ?$
4. Which is greater: $\frac{3}{7}$ or $\frac{2}{7}$?
5. Are $\frac{4}{6}$ and $\frac{2}{3}$ like fractions?

Answers:

1. $\frac{1}{3}$, $\frac{2}{3}$, $\frac{5}{3}$
2. $\frac{3}{5}$
3. $\frac{4}{8}$ (which simplifies to $\frac{1}{2}$)
4. $\frac{3}{7}$
5. No (they have different denominators)