# Similar and Unlike Fractions

Similar (Like) fractions are fractions with same denominators. On the other hand, dissimilar (Unlike) fractions are fractions with different denominators.

SIMILAR FRACTION

Fractions with same denominators (bottom numbers).

## Examples:

1/6 , 5/6 , 13/6 , 19/6

UNLIKE FRACTION

Fractions with different denominators (bottom numbers).

## Examples:

2/9 , 7/8 , 14/25, 26/4

## Are 5/11 and 8/11 similar fractions?

#### Explanation:

Since 5/11 and 8/11 have similar denominators. Therefore, they are similar fractions.

## Are 2/5 and 5/2 similar fractions?

#### Explanation:

Since 2/5 and 5/2 have unlike denominators. Therefore, they are unlike fractions.

## Are 1/4 and 6/8 unlike fractions?

#### Explanation:

Since 1/4 and 6/8 have unlike denominators, they are unlike fractions.

## How to convert unlike fractions into similar fractions

Step 1

Find LCM (least common multiple) of the denominators.

Step 2:

Convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with denominators equal to the LCM.

## Convert the below unlike fractions into similar fractions. 1/4 and 3/8

#### Explanation:

Step 1

The least common multiples of 4 are: 4, 8, 12, 16…

The least common multiples of 8 are: 8, 16, 24, 32…

Step 2

The least common multiple of 4 and 8 is 8, so our aim is to make both the denominators 8.

We achieve this by multiplying the denominator and numerator of the first fraction 1/4 by 2.

1/4 = (1 text( x ) 2)/(4 text( x ) 2) = 2/8

Similarly, we multiply the denominator and numerator of the second fraction 3/8 by 1.

3/8 = (3 text( x ) 1)/(8 text( x ) 1) = 3/8

The new fractions, 2/8 and 3/8 are now similar fractions.

We convert unlike fractions to similar fractions when we have to add or subtract two unlike fractions.

## WorkSheets

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