Trigonometric Functions: Background You’ll Need 1

  • Add and subtract fractions with whole numbers
How To: Add or Subtract Fractions with Whole NumbersConsider an expression in the form: [latex]a+\frac{b}{c}[/latex]

  1. Write the whole number as a fraction with a denominator of [latex]1[/latex]: [latex]\frac{a}{1}[/latex]
  2. Make a common denominator: Multiply the whole number (now a fraction) by the fraction [latex]\frac{c}{c}=1[/latex] to create a common denominator.
  3. Add the numerators: Combine the fractions by adding their numerators and keeping the common denominator.
  4. Simplify the result.
  1. Add [latex]3 + \frac{1}{4}[/latex].
  2. Subtract [latex]5 - \frac{2}{3}[/latex].

Always change the whole number to a fraction before combining.