How do i add two negative fractions?
(-1 * a/b) + (-1 *c/d)
= -1 (a/b +c/d) distributive property
= -(a/b+c/d)
huh?ok the problem is -1/14+(-3/7)
-(1/14 +3/7)
- (1/14 + 6/14)
- 7/14
-1/2
To add two negative fractions, you need to follow these steps:
1. Verify that the fractions have the same denominator. If they do not, you need to find a common denominator by finding the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
2. Once you have the fractions with the same denominator, add the numerators together. Be sure to preserve the negative sign for each fraction.
3. Simplify the fraction, if possible, by reducing it to its simplest form. To simplify a fraction, you need to divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
Let's illustrate this with an example:
Suppose we want to add -3/4 and -5/6.
Step 1: Find the common denominator.
The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12.
Step 2: Rewrite the fractions with the common denominator.
-3/4 becomes -9/12 (multiply both numerator and denominator by 3).
-5/6 becomes -10/12 (multiply both numerator and denominator by 2).
Step 3: Add the numerators together.
-9/12 + (-10/12) = -19/12
Step 4: Simplify, if possible.
The GCD of 19 and 12 is 1, so -19/12 is already in its simplest form.
Therefore, the sum of -3/4 and -5/6 is -19/12.