Fraction Math Made Simple: Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide
Fractions confuse millions of adults. Here is the simple explanation that schools overcomplicated.
Adding fractions: find a common denominator, add the tops. 1/4 + 1/3: common denominator is 12. Convert: 3/12 + 4/12 = 7/12. Subtracting: same process, subtract the tops. Multiplying: multiply straight across. 2/3 times 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2. Dividing: flip the second fraction and multiply. 2/3 divided by 3/4 = 2/3 times 4/3 = 8/9.
The One Rule to Remember
Adding and subtracting: need common denominators. Multiplying and dividing: do NOT need common denominators. This is the core concept that trips people up. Addition requires alignment (common denominator). Multiplication does not.