Fractions must share a common denominator in order to be added or subtracted. The common denominator is the least common multiple of all the denominators.

The greatest common factor (GCF) is the greatest factor that divides two integers.

The least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest positive integer that is a multiple of two or more integers.

To multiply terms with the same base, multiply the coefficients and add the exponents. To divide terms with the same base, divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents. For example, 3x² x 2x² = 6x⁴ and \({8x^5 \over 4x^2} \) = 2x^(5-2) = 2x³.

A rate is a ratio that compares two related quantities. Common rates are speed = \({distance \over time}\), flow = \({amount \over time}\), and defect = \({errors \over units}\).