Last updated on July 5th, 2025
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.
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.
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. |
There are four basic arithmetic operations for like and unlike fractions. The four operations are:
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
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.
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.
Find the sum of the unlike fractions 1/6 and 1/4.
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.
Since 5 and 12 have no common factors, this fraction is already in its simplest form.
Find the sum of 1/9 and 3/9.
4/9
Both fractions have the same denominators, so we can add the numerators directly. Therefore, the answer is 4/9.
Neha had 4/8 of a pizza, and Sheba had 6/8. What fraction of the pizza did they have together?
Neha and Sheba had 5/4 or 11/4 pizza together.
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.
Multiply 719 and 3835
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.
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.
Evaluate whether 2/4, 3/6, 4/7, and 8/2 are like fractions or unlike fractions.
Unlike fractions.
The given fractions are unlike fractions because they have different denominators.
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.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.