Vedic maths · trick 33 of 36 · free

Adding and subtracting fractions — Vedic maths trick

No LCM hunting: multiply crosswise for the top and vertically for the bottom, then simplify.

The trick

Urdhva Tiryagbhyam — “vertically and crosswise”

  1. Top: multiply crosswise — first top × second bottom, then first bottom × second top — and add (or subtract).
  2. Bottom: multiply the two bottoms.
  3. Simplify by dividing top and bottom by their HCF. Give the answer as a fraction like 17/12.

Use it for: Adding or subtracting any two fractions (Class 4–8), and checking LCM answers.

Worked example: 2/3 + 3/4 = 17/12

  1. Top: 2 × 4 + 3 × 3 = 8 + 9 = 17.
  2. Bottom: 3 × 4 = 12.
  3. 17 and 12 share no factor.
  4. Answer: 17/12 (= 1 5/12).

Check: 2/3 = 8/12 and 3/4 = 9/12; 8/12 + 9/12 = 17/12 ✓

✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

Right: 0 · Tried: 0

🏁 Trick 33 test

20 sums. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🍕 Fraction Flash badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 6 tricks of Part 4 · Algebra & number sense. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Adding and Subtracting Fractions Worksheet

✨ Free AI tutor

Ask the AI tutor about this trick

Why does it work? When should you use it? Ask in English, मराठी or हिंदी.

Sign in with Google to ask Free — 20 questions a day.

👩‍🏫 Vedic maths classes near you — online or at home

Prefer a real teacher? TalentJR teachers take live online classes anywhere in India and visit homes in selected cities. Tell us what you need and our team will call you with timings and fees.

Live online classesSmall groups or 1:1 with a teacher, from home, any city.
Teacher at homeA TalentJR teacher visits your home (selected cities).
At a centreClasses at a TalentJR partner centre near you, where available.
Badges, certificates & gifts A badge for every trick you pass, a certificate for every part you finish, plus TalentJR Points for daily practice. Abacus course Younger child? Start with the free abacus course (ages 5–14).