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Adding and Subtracting Fractions Facts & Worksheets

This lesson provides a step-by-step introduction through a visual and conceptual approach about equivalent fractions.

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Worksheets /Math /Grade 5 (ages 10-11) /Adding and Subtracting Fractions Facts & Worksheets
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Adding and Subtracting Fractions Worksheets
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This lesson provides a step-by-step introduction through a visual and conceptual approach about equivalent fractions. Moreover, we will utilize equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions.

See the fact file below for more information on the adding and subtracting fractions or alternatively, you can download our 33-page Adding and Subtracting Fractions worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EQUIVALENT FRACTIONS

  • Equivalent fractions are different fractions that represent the same number.
  • The fractions 2/3 and 4/6 are equivalent. Two-thirds is equivalent to four-sixths.
  • The fractions 3/4, 6/8, and 9/12 are equivalent. Three-fourths, six-eighths, and nine-twelfths are equivalent.
  • There are two simple strategies in identifying equivalent fractions.
    • Use Models
      • Think about the number of equal parts in the fraction tiles.
    • Draw a Diagram
  • Fractions can be expressed as whole numbers in fraction form. Let us take the value of 1 as an example.
  • To express the whole number value of 1, you can always use fraction models. In this case, 4/4 represents four equal parts that make up one whole. Therefore, since both the whole number 1 and the fraction 4/4 have the same value, they are equivalent to each other.
  • Take the value of 3, or 3 wholes. In this case, each box represents one whole, and it is made up of 1 equal part. Therefore, to represent the value of 3, we can express the whole number 3 as 3/1 in fraction form.
  • Similarly, to represent the whole number 2, it can be represented by 4 equal parts that make up 2 wholes. Therefore, the whole number 2 equals 4/2.

ADDING OR SUBTRACTING FRACTIONS – SAME DENOMINATOR

  • Start adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator before trying to work with fractions with different denominators.
  • Add or subtract the numerators, keeping the denominator the same.
  • It is also a good practice to finish by simplifying the answer to its lowest form.
  • Common fractions can be simplified to their lowest terms by applying the concept of equivalent fractions.
  • Let’s review. A mixed number is a whole number and a proper fraction combined. Let’s look at this example.
  • When you combine the wholes and the fraction, you get a mixed number.
  • To add mixed numbers with the same denominator:
    • Add the whole numbers together
    • Add the numerators
    • The denominator stays the same

ADDING OR SUBTRACTING FRACTIONS – DIFFERENT DENOMINATOR

  • A common denominator must be found when adding or subtracting fractions that have different denominators. This is the most important step in adding or subtracting fractions.
  • A common denominator can be found by multiplying the denominators.
  • Look at this example. Find the sum of 3/4 and 1/6. Notice that their denominators are not the same. The least common denominator (LCD) of 4 and 6 is 12. Therefore, make equivalent fractions with the new denominator.
  • Using a common denominator instead of the LCD can lead to unnecessary simplifying of the result.
  • To add or subtract fractions with different denominators:
    • Find the least common denominator.
    • Make equivalent fractions using the LCD.
    • Add or subtract the numerators.
    • Simplify the result if necessary.
  • 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.
  • To add mixed numbers with the different denominators:
    • Add the whole number parts.
    • Change the fractions as required to their equivalent values so all fractions have the same denominator.
    • Add or subtract the numerators. Leave the denominator as is.

Adding and Subtracting Fractions Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the adding and subtracting fractions across 33 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Adding and Subtracting Fractions worksheets that are perfect for providing students a step-by-step introduction through a visual and conceptual approach about equivalent fractions. Moreover, we will utilize equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Lesson Plan
  • Adding and Subtracting Fractions
  • You’re My Equal
  • Equivalent Fractions
  • Decomposing Fractions
  • Adding Mixed Fractions
  • Mixed Fraction Subtraction
  • Adding Unlike Fractions
  • Subtracting Unlike Fractions
  • More on Addition
  • More on Subtraction
  • Fraction Word Problems

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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