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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.

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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 ✓

▶ Watch it animated

✓ Written and checked by the TalentJR team · Updated 13 Oct 2026 · How we make our lessons

✏️ Practice

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

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🏁 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

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