Help with adding/ subtracting fractions
Adding and subtracting fractions is typically introduced in 4th Grade and is limited to fractions with like denominators. In 5th Grade students then move on and use equivalent fractions to help add and subtract fractions that have different denominators.
The following information and resources will help your child with adding and subtracting fractions.
Adding or subtracting fractions – same denominator
Encourage your child to start adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator before trying to work with fractions with different denominators.
Adding or subtracting fractions – different denominator
Be sure your child understands equivalent fractions before tackling adding or subtracting fractions.
Adding and subtracting fractions requires fractions with unlike denominators to be changed so that all fractions have the same denominator.
Fraction Lesson: Adding and Subtracting Fractions
This short lesson shows how to add and subtract fractions.
The above lesson includes audio (so remember to switch on your speakers). Use the play/ pause button if you need to stop and start the lesson. Related Fractions Lessons |
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| Introducing Fractions | Equivalent Fractions | Common Denominators | Adding and Subtracting Fractions | Simplifying Fractions | Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions |
The steps shown in the above lesson are also shown below using two fractions: 3/4 and 5/6.
Adding or subtracting mixed numbers
There are two methods of adding or subtracting mixed numbers. Either add the whole numbers and then add the fraction parts, or convert each mixed number to an improper fraction before calculating. remind your child to reduce any answers to their lowest term and to change any improper fractions to mixed numbers.
Tips and Reminders
When adding/ subtracting mixed numbers:
- Add the whole number parts.
- Change the fractions as required to their equivalent values so all fractions have the same denominator.
- Add/ subtract the numerators. Leave the denominator as is.
The example below shows the adding of two mixed numbers.
Note: An alternative to the above method involves changing the mixed numbers to improper fractions (7/3 and 15/4), converting these to equivalent values (28/12 and 45/12), adding these, and finally changing the improper fraction to a mixed number.
Worksheets – adding, subtracting fractions
Use the worksheets below to practice adding and subtracting fractions
Adding
Fractions (same denominator) e.g. 4/7 + 2/7- Adding
Mixed Numbers (same denominator) e.g. 4 2/9 + 6 5/9
- Adding
Fractions (different denominator) e.g. 2/3 + 1/4
- Adding
Mixed Numbers (different denominator) e.g. 5 1/8 + 6 2/5
- Subtracting
Fractions (same denominator) e.g. 4/7 - 2/7
- Subtracting
Mixed Numbers (same denominator) e.g. 4 5/9 - 6 2/9
- Subtracting
Fractions (different denominator) e.g. 2/3 - 1/4
- Subtracting
Mixed Numbers (different denominator) e.g. 6 1/8 - 6
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