Fractions with the same denominator are called like fractions. For example, 1/5 and 4/5. On the other hand, fractions with different denominators are called unlike fractions. For example, 1/5 and 4/7. Here, let us learn like fractions and unlike fractions with definition, examples and their differences.
Definition of Like Fractions
Two fractions are said to be like fractions if they have the same denominator. 1/3 and 2/3 are like fractions.
Like fractions are also known as similar fractions.
Examples of Like Fractions
- The fractions $\dfrac{1}{10}$ and $\dfrac{3}{10}$ are like fractions, as they both have the same denominator 10.
- The fractions $\dfrac{1}{5}$, $\dfrac{2}{5}$, $\dfrac{3}{5}$ and $\dfrac{4}{5}$ are like fractions as all having the same denominator 5.
- $\dfrac{1}{3}$ and $\dfrac{1}{4}$ are not like fractions. Because, both have the different denominators.
Definition of Unlike Fractions
Two fractions are said to be unlike fractions if they have different denominators. 1/3 and 3/5 are unlike fractions.
Unlike fractions are also known as dissimilar fractions.
Examples of Unlike Fractions
- The fractions $\dfrac{1}{3}$ and $\dfrac{1}{4}$ are unlike fractions, as they both have the different denominators 3 and 4.
- The fractions $\dfrac{1}{2}$, $\dfrac{1}{3}$, $\dfrac{1}{4}$, $\dfrac{1}{5}$ are all unlike fractions as they have different denominators.
Differences of Like and Unlike Fractions
The differences between like and unlike fractions are listed in the table below.
| Like Fractions | Unlike Fractions |
|---|---|
| Like fractions have the same denominator. | Unlike fractions have the different denominators. |
| $\dfrac{1}{6}$ and $\dfrac{5}{6}$ are like fractions | $\dfrac{1}{3}$ and $\dfrac{4}{7}$ are unlike fractions |
| Two like fractions can never be converted into unlike fractions. | Two unlike fractions can always be converted into like fractions by multiplying both top and the bottom of both the fractions by the least common multiple (LCM) of their denominators. |
| Like fractions can be added directly just by adding their numerators and keeping the common denominator. For example, $\dfrac{1}{4}+\dfrac{3}{4}$ $=\dfrac{1+3}{4}$ $=\dfrac{4}{4}=1.$ Subtraction of like fractions is also done the way. | Unlike fractions cannot be added directly. To add unlike fractions, it requires to find the LCM of the denominators. Using LCM, convert them into like fractions, and then add. For example, $\dfrac{1}{4}+\dfrac{1}{3}$. LCM(3,4) = 12. So the sum = $\dfrac{3}{12} + \dfrac{4}{12}$ $=\dfrac{3+4}{12}=\dfrac{7}{12}.$ The same way one can subtract unlike fractions. |