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Once you've learned how to add and subtract positive fractions , you can extend the method to include negative fractions.
Note that:
When you are adding or subtracting a negative fraction, you usually want to consider the numerator as negative. The method is just the same, except now you may need to add negative or positive numerators.
Example 1:
Find the sum.
The LCM of and is .
To add the fractions with unlike denominators, rename the fractions with a common denominator.
So,
Since the denominators are the same, add the numerators.
Example 2:
Find the difference.
The LCM of and is .
To subtract the fractions with unlike denominators, rename the fractions with a common denominator.
So,
Since the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators.
Simplify. We get: