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Last updated on July 5th, 2025

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Like Fractions And Unlike Fractions

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Like fractions and unlike fractions are the two most common forms of fractions, based on their denominators. Like fractions are those with the same denominator, whereas unlike fractions are those with different denominators. For instance, 1/2 and 3/2 are like fractions, but 1/2 and 3/4 are unlike fractions.

Like Fractions And Unlike Fractions for UAE Students
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What are Fractions?

A fraction represents a part of a whole, consisting of two main components. The numerator, which is the number above the line, indicates how many parts are taken. The number below the fraction line is called the denominator, which shows the whole number it is divided into. For example, if a pizza is divided into six equal slices, then each slice is “one sixth” or  “1 by 6” or “ 16”  of the whole.

 

 


What is Like Fractions? 

 

Like fractions have similar denominators. Like fractions, the whole is divided into the same number of equal parts. For example, 4/10, 6/10, and 8/10; here, the denominators are the same. So they are like fractions.

 

 


What is Unlike Fractions?

 

Unlike fractions have different denominators. In other words, unlike fractions, divide the whole into different numbers of equal parts. For example, ⅜ and 4/6. Here, the denominators are different. So, they are unlike fractions.

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Comparing Like Fractions and Unlike Fractions

In this section, we will compare the like and unlike fractions. It will help students to identify which fraction is greater or smaller. 
 

 

Features

Like Fractions

Unlike Fractions

Definition

Fractions that have the same denominator.

Fractions that have different denominators.

Examples

3/6, 5/6, 2/6

3/4, 4/6, 6/8

How to Compare

Compare the numerators directly. The fraction with the larger numerator is greater.

Convert to a common denominator (LCD), then compare the numerators.

Comparison Examples

5/6 > 2/6 because 5 is greater than 2.

Convert 2/5 = 14/35, 3/7 = 15/35. Since 15 is greater than 14, 3/7 > 2/5.

 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Arithmetic operations on Like Fractions and Unlike Fractions

There are four basic arithmetic operations for like and unlike fractions. The four operations are:

 

  • Addition
  • Subtraction
  • Multiplication
  • Division

 

Let us look at how to conduct each of these operations on like and unlike fractions.

 

 

Addition of Like Fractions and Unlike Fractions

 

Like Fractions

Step: In like fractions, we need to simply add the numerators since the denominators are the same.

Example: 68 + 48 = 6 + 48 = 108

Unlike Fractions

 

 

Step 1: Find a common denominator (least common denominator)

 


Step 2: For converting each fraction with the common denominator, then calculate the common multiples of all the denominators of the fractions. 

 


Step 3: Add the numerators while keeping the denominator fixed.

Example: To add 23 and 34:

First, we must change the unlike denominators to a common denominator; for that, we need to find the least common denominator of 3 and 4.
Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15….
Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16….

Here, the least common multiple that appears in both lists is 12. Therefore, 12 is the LCD of 3 and 4.

Next, we convert the fractions to get the denominator 12.

Convert: 23 = 2 × 43 × 4 = 812
34 = 3 × 34 × 3 = 912

Now we add: 812 + 912 = 8 + 912 = 1712

The result can also be expressed as a mixed number, as the fraction is improper. To convert 17/12 into a mixed number, divide 17/12; then we will get 1 as the quotient, 5 as the remainder, and the denominator stays the same as 12. So, 17/12 as a mixed number is 1512.

 

 

Subtraction of Like Fractions and Unlike Fractions

 

Like Fractions

Step: Subtract the numerators directly.

Example: 710 - 310 = 7 - 310 = 410

 

Unlike Fractions

 

Step 1: Find a common denominator (LCD).
Step 2: Convert each fraction.
Step 3: Subtract the numerators.

 

Example: Subtract 56 from 34:
The LCD of 6 and 4 is 12.
Now convert: 34 = 3 × 34 × 3 = 912, 56 = 5 × 26 × 2 = 1012
After converting into like fractions with the same denominators. We subtract: 912 - 1012 = 9 - 1012 = -112.

 

 


Multiplication of Like and Unlike Fractions

 

Fractions are multiplied in the same way, whether they are like or unlike. 

Step: Multiply the numerators and denominators together.

Example: 25 × 37 = 2 × 35 × 7 = 635. Students can simplify before multiplying by cancelling common factors between any numerator and any denominator.

 

 


Division of Like Fractions and Unlike Fractions

 

Fractions are divided by multiplying by the divisor’s reciprocal.

 

Step 1: Write the second fraction’s reciprocal (reverse the numerator and denominator).


Step 2: Multiply the first fraction by this reciprocal.

 

Example: To divide 49 by 23:

Find the reciprocal of 23, which is 32.
 Multiply: 49 ÷ 23 = 49 × 32 = 4 × 39 × 2 = 1218
Simplify: 1218 = 23
 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Real Life Applications of Like Fractions and Unlike Fractions

Understanding like and unlike fractions helps students to work with fractions more effectively in everyday situations. Here are some real-life examples of like and unlike fractions.

 

 

  • Cooking and baking: Fractional quantities are commonly required for ingredients, such as ¼ cup of sugar and 2/4 cup of flour. If two elements have different denominators, they must be transformed to like fractions before adding.

 

  • Purchase and discounts: When providing discounts or splitting bills while purchasing, we frequently work with fractions.

 

  • Dividing food and resources: Fractions are commonly used when sharing food like cake, biscuits, or pizza; fractions are used to divide them evenly. If a cake is cut into 6 equal slices and one person eats 3/6 while another eats 2/6, the total consumed is easy to find.
     
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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Like Fractions And Unlike Fractions

Understanding and learning about like and unlike fractions helps students understand how to work with fractions effectively. Even when they work with these concepts, they might frequently make errors. Here are a few mistakes and helpful solutions to avoid them.

Mistake 1

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Students may focus on the numerators rather than the denominator, which can lead to the misidentification of like fractions. 
 

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Understand that the only way to identify like fractions is to have the same denominator. Always start with the denominator.
 

Mistake 2

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 Forgetting to convert unlike fractions to like fractions before doing the addition and subtraction.

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To convert unlike fractions into like fractions, convert them properly. Before adding or subtracting, find a common denominator. 
 

Mistake 3

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Failing to simplify fractions after conversion or additional operations.
 

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Always simplify your final answer as much as possible. This ensures that your answer is in its simplest form, making it easier to understand and verify.
 

Mistake 4

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Students might confuse or incorrectly use the denominators when multiplying fractions.
 

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 Whenever the fractions are multiplied, always multiply the numerator and denominator together.
 

Mistake 5

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 Some students make mistakes in choosing the wrong LCD, leading to incorrect fraction conversion.
 

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Find the smallest number that both denominators may divide evenly. Always double-check the LCD before converting fractions. This helps you rewrite the fractions with the same denominator.
 

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Solved examples of Like Fractions and Unlike Fractions

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Problem 1

Find the sum of the unlike fractions 1/6 and 1/4.

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 We need to add fractions: 16 + 14


Step 1: Find the least common denominator (LCD). The denominators are 6 and 4. The LCD of 6 and 4 is 12.

 

 

Step 2: Convert to like fractions
Convert both fractions to have a denominator of 12:
 16 = 1 × 26  × 2 = 212

 14 = 1 × 34 × 3 = 312 

Add the Fractions: 212 + 312 = 512.
 

Explanation

 Since 5 and 12 have no common factors, this fraction is already in its simplest form.

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Problem 2

Find the sum of 1/9 and 3/9.

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4/9

Explanation

Both fractions have the same denominators, so we can add the numerators directly. Therefore, the answer is 4/9.
 

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Problem 3

Neha had 4/8 of a pizza, and Sheba had 6/8. What fraction of the pizza did they have together?

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Neha and Sheba had 5/4 or 11/4 pizza together.
 

Explanation

Here, both fractions have the same denominator, which is 8. Since they are like fractions, we can simply add the numerators.
4/8 + 6/8 = 4 + 68 = 10/8. Here, we simplify the fraction: 10/8 = 5/4 = 114. So, Neha and Sheba together had 54 or 114 pizza.
 

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Problem 4

Multiply 719 and 3835

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 719 × 3835 = 7 × 3819 × 35 = 266665.  
Next, find the greatest common divisor of 266 and 665, which is 7. 
266 ÷ 7665 ÷ 7 = 3895. So the answer is 38/95.
 

Explanation

Here, to multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. After that, the result is then simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD. So, the final answer is 3895 , which is in the simplest form.
 

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Problem 5

Evaluate whether 2/4, 3/6, 4/7, and 8/2 are like fractions or unlike fractions.

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Unlike fractions.
 

Explanation

The given fractions are unlike fractions because they have different denominators.

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FAQs on Like Fractions And Unlike Fractions

1.What is the difference between like fractions and unlike fractions?

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2.Do like and unlike fractions have the same numerator?

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3.What are the other alternative names for like and unlike fractions?

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4.Give five examples of like and unlike fractions.

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5.Why is it necessary to find the least common denominator when adding or subtracting unlike fractions?

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6.How can children in United Arab Emirates use numbers in everyday life to understand Like Fractions And Unlike Fractions?

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7.What are some fun ways kids in United Arab Emirates can practice Like Fractions And Unlike Fractions with numbers?

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8.What role do numbers and Like Fractions And Unlike Fractions play in helping children in United Arab Emirates develop problem-solving skills?

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9.How can families in United Arab Emirates create number-rich environments to improve Like Fractions And Unlike Fractions skills?

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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana

About the Author

Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.

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Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

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