How to Add Fractions (and Multiply and Divide Fractions)
18th January, 2021

When I teach how to add and subtract fractions, I start with explanations of equivalent fractions and how to simplify them.
Moving on from that, I look at multiplying and dividing fractions – which is easier than adding and subtracting!
Table of Contents
Equivalent Fractions and Simplifying Fractions
Equivalent Fractions
If you multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by the same number you have an equivalent fraction.
“Whatever you do to the top, you do to the bottom”

Simplifying Fractions
If you can divide the top and bottom by the same number, you can simplify the fraction.

How to Multiply Fractions
Multiply Fractions

Multiply Fractions – Multiply tops and bottoms

Multiply Fractions – Simplify Fraction

How to Divide Fractions
Divide Fractions – change to a multiply question
To divide fractions, we change it to a multiply question, using “K.F.C.” – Keep, Flip, Change.
- Keep the first fraction
- Flip the numbers on the second fraction
- Change the question to a multiplication

Divide Fractions – Multiply

Divide Fractions – Simplify Fraction

How to Add and Subtract Fractions
How to Add and Subtract Fractions – when the denominators are the same
The denominators remain the same, simply add or subtract the numerators to find the sum of the fractions.

How to Add and Subtract Fractions – when the denominators are different

FREE Resources on How to Simplify Fractions, How to Add / Subtract Fractions, How to Multiply Fractions and How to Divide Fractions
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About Me
My name is Nicola Bhalerao and I am a private tutor based in Warwick. Since 2013, I have provided one-to-one tuition for children and adults. I specialise in maths tutoring, but cater for different requests, ranging from 11+ to various computing skills, including website training.
My background is in computing, with a Computer Science degree from Warwick University. I have worked many years as a programmer, latterly in the games industry. Both my sons were tutored by me for the 11+ (they went to a local grammar school). I received training for teaching secondary school maths and I am fully CRB checked.
I am a WordPress expert at my other business, Smiling Panda Web Design, where I create quality websites with communication and trust.
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