Example.—Add together ⅚, ¾, and 6½.
5 × 4 × 2 = 40 40 48 + 36 48 + 24 48 + 6 = 8 4 48 .
3 × 6 × 2 = 36
1 × 6 × 4 = 24 or, by cancelling, and dividing,[43]
6 × 4 × 2 = 48 10 12 + 9 12 + 6 12 + 6 = 8 1 12 Answer.
SUBTRACTION OF FRACTIONS.
Rule.—Prepare the quantities, as in addition of fractions. Place the less quantity under the greater. Then, if possible, subtract the lower numerator from the upper; under the remainder write the common denominator, and, if there be whole numbers, find their difference as in simple subtraction. But if the lower numerator exceed the upper, subtract it from the common denominator, and to the remainder add the upper numerator; write the common denominator under this sum, and carry 1 to the whole number in the lower line.
Example.—
From 54 5 6 or 54 25 30
Take 25 5 15 or 25 10 30
——
29 15 30 Answer.
MULTIPLICATION OF FRACTIONS.
Rule.—Reduce mixed numbers to equivalent fractions; then multiply all the numerators together for a numerator, and all the denominators together for a denominator, which will give the product required.
Example.—Multiply ⅚, ⅜, and 2½ together.
⅚ × ⅜ × (2½ or) 5 2 = 75 96 Answer.