Addition and Subtraction of Fractions

How to add and subtract fraction numbers with step-by-step examples and calculations

Addition and Subtraction of Fractions

Learn how to add and subtract mixed fractions by converting them to common denominators.

Addition

Example 1: Adding mixed fractions

  • 2 3/4 = 2 6/8
    • 4 3/8 = 4 3/8
    • 3 1/2 = 3 4/8
  • = 9 13/8 = 10 5/8

Example 2: Another addition example

  • 10 7/8 = 10 14/16
    • 12 3/16 = 12 3/16
    • 9 1/4 = 9 4/16
  • = 31 21/16 = 32 5/16

Subtraction

Example 3: Simple subtraction

  • 6 3/4 = 6 6/8
    • 4 3/8 = 4 3/8
  • = 2 3/8

Example 4: Subtraction with borrowing

  • 10 3/16 = 9 19/16
    • 4 3/8 = 4 6/16
  • = 5 13/16
Calculator

Inputs

Results

Result - Whole Part--
Result - Numerator--
Result - Denominator--
Result - Decimal--
StepDescriptionCalculation
1Convert to common denominatorFind LCM of denominators
2Convert fractionsMultiply numerators and denominators
3Combine whole numbersAdd or subtract whole parts
4Combine fractionsAdd or subtract numerators with common denominator
5Simplify resultConvert improper fractions to mixed numbers