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Adding and Subtracting Like FractionsLets first discuss how to add and subtract like
fractions. Suppose that we want to add We see in the diagram that the total shaded area is
four-fifths, so The diagram shows how to subtract like fractions by computing The following rule summarizes how to add or subtract fractions, provided that they have the same denominator. To Add (or Subtract) Like Fractions
EXAMPLE 1 Add: Solution Applying the rule, we get TIP Be careful not to add the denominators when adding like fractions. EXAMPLE 2 Add: Solution So the sum of
EXAMPLE 3 Find the difference between Solution EXAMPLE 4 In the following diagram, how far is it from the college to the library via city hall? Solution Examining the diagram, we see that
To find the distance from the college to the library via city hall, we add. The distance is 1 mile. EXAMPLE 5 According to one study, Solution Subtracting, we get |