how to add or subtract fractions with unlike denominators and give me some examples so i could understand.

thank you.

http://www.math.com/school/subject1/lessons/S1U4L3GL.html

http://www.themathpage.com/arith/add-fractions-subtract-fractions-1.htm

To add or subtract fractions with unlike denominators, follow these steps:

Step 1: Find a common denominator.
- Look for the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators.
- If you're not sure about LCM, you can also multiply the two denominators together to find a common multiple.
- Example: Let's add 1/4 and 3/7. The denominators are 4 and 7. Their LCM is 28.

Step 2: Convert the fractions to have the same denominator.
- For each fraction, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by the same number to make the denominator equal to the common denominator found in Step 1.
- Example: To convert 1/4, multiply the numerator and denominator by 7. To convert 3/7, multiply the numerator and denominator by 4.
- 1/4 becomes (1 * 7) / (4 * 7) = 7/28
- 3/7 becomes (3 * 4) / (7 * 4) = 12/28

Step 3: Add or subtract the converted fractions.
- Add the numerators (or subtract in the case of subtraction) and write the result over the common denominator.
- Example: 7/28 + 12/28 = (7 + 12) / 28 = 19/28

Step 4: Simplify the fraction (if necessary).
- If the numerator and denominator have a common factor, divide them by that common factor to simplify the fraction to its simplest form.
- Example: The fraction 19/28 is simplified; it does not have a common factor other than 1.

So, in summary, to add or subtract fractions with unlike denominators:
1. Find a common denominator.
2. Convert the fractions to have the same denominator.
3. Add or subtract the numerators.
4. Simplify the resulting fraction (if needed).

Example: Add 2/5 and 3/8.
Step 1: The LCM of 5 and 8 is 40.
Step 2: Convert 2/5 to (2 * 8) / (5 * 8) = 16/40, and convert 3/8 to (3 * 5) / (8 * 5) = 15/40.
Step 3: Add the converted fractions: 16/40 + 15/40 = (16 + 15) / 40 = 31/40.
Step 4: The fraction 31/40 is already in its simplest form.

So, 2/5 + 3/8 = 31/40.

I hope this explanation helps you understand how to add or subtract fractions with unlike denominators.