Afterwards, you will invariably need to reduce your fraction. To do this quickly, and without thinking, bust out your TI-83 graphing calculator and press:
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MATH > 1:Frac > ENTER > ENTER
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Not knowing how to add and subtraction fractions with just a pencil and piece of paper is not good, but if you’re in a pinch and have a history term paper due, go for it. The above TI-83 button commands also work to convert rational decimals back into their fractions.
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Disclaimer: In no way will this method help do anything except get through your current homework assignment on adding and subtracting fractions. I know you don’t believe me because my 12-year old self wouldn’t believe me, but solving fraction problems without a calculator is an important piece of higher math.
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