lesson 4 problem solving practice add and subtract unlike fractions

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The solution is this:

We convert the fractions so that they become like fractions (the same denominator), using equivalent fractions.

1. Write the fractions shown by the pie images. Convert them into equivalent fractions with the same     denominator (like fractions), and then add them. Color in the missing parts.

2. Convert the fractions to like fractions first, and then add or subtract. In the bottom problems (d-f), you     need to figure out what kind of pieces to use, but the top problems (a-c) will help you do that!

3. Split the parts only in the first fraction so that both fractions will have the same kind of parts. Add.  

Now split the parts in both fractions so that they will have the same kind of parts. Add.  

4. Fill in the table based on the problems above. What kind of parts did the two fractions have at first?     What kind of parts did you use in the final addition?

5. Now think: How can you know into what kind of parts to convert the fractions that you are adding?      Can you see any patterns or rules in the table above?  

6. Challenge: If you think you know what kind of parts to convert these fractions into, then try these     problems. Do not worry if you do not know how to do them—we will study this in the next lesson.

You will find free, printable worksheets for adding unlike fractions here .

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Add and Subtract Fractions with Unlike Denominators Lesson Plan

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Add and Subtract Fractions with Unlike Denominators Guided Notes with Doodles

Ever wondered how to teach adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators in an engaging way to your 5th or 6th-grade students?

In this lesson plan, students will learn about fraction addition and subtraction and their real-life applications. Through artistic, interactive guided notes, check for understanding, a practice activity that includes a doodle & color by number worksheet, and a maze worksheet, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.

The lesson culminates with a real-life example that explores how this math skill can be applied in practical situations. Students will read and write about real-life uses of adding and subtracting fractions.

• Standards : CCSS 5.NF.A.1 , CCSS 5.NF.A.2
• Topic : Fractions
• Grade : 6th Grade
• Type : Lesson Plans

Learning Objectives

After this lesson, students will be able to:

Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators

Use visual aids and doodles to enhance understanding of fraction addition and subtraction

Explain real life applications of fractions in real life

Prerequisites

Before this lesson, students should be familiar with:

Basic addition and subtraction skills of whole numbers

Understand how to generate equivalent fractions

Knowledge of how to find common multiples and factors

Colored pencils or markers

Add and Subtract Fractions with Unlike Denominators Guided Notes

Key Vocabulary

Unlike Denominators

Common Denominator

Visual Models

Introduction

As a hook, ask students why it is important to know how to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators in real-life situations.

Use the first page of the guided notes to introduce the concept of adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Walk through the steps of finding a common denominator, adding or subtracting the numerators, and simplifying the fraction. Emphasize the importance of finding a common denominator to make the fractions compatible.

Use the second page of the guided notes to introduce how to use visual models to solve fractions addition and subtracting with unlike denominators. Walk through the steps of finding a common denominator, subtracting the numerators, and simplifying the fraction.

Based on student responses, reteach concepts that students need extra help with. If your class has a wide range of proficiency levels, you can pull out students for reteaching, and have more advanced students begin work on the practice exercises.

Have students practice adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators using the practice worksheet provided in the resource in the first two pages of the guided notes. Walk around the classroom to answer any questions students may have.

Fast finishers can continue practicing with the maze activities (page 3) or color by number (page 4) included in the resource. You can assign these activities as extra practice or as homework for the remainder of the class.

Real-Life Application

Use the last page of the guided notes to bring the class back together, and introduce the concept of real-life application of adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Explain to the students that understanding how to add and subtract fractions is important in many real-life situations.

Some examples of real-life applications of adding and subtracting fractions include:

Recipes: Fractions are commonly used in cooking and baking. When following a recipe, you often have to adjust the measurements based on the number of servings or the size of the dish. Adding or subtracting fractions allows you to adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly.

Measurements: Fractions are also used in various measurements, such as measuring ingredients for a recipe or calculating distances. For example, if you want to measure a distance that is less than a whole unit, you may need to add or subtract fractions to get an accurate measurement.

Discuss these examples with the students and encourage them to brainstorm other situations where adding and subtracting fractions might be useful in their daily lives. This discussion will help them see the relevance and practical application of the skills they are learning.

Additional Self-Checking Digital Practice

If you’re looking for digital practice for adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, try my Pixel Art activities in Google Sheets. Every answer is automatically checked, and correct answers unlock parts of a mystery picture. It’s incredibly fun, and a powerful tool for differentiation.

Here are some activities to explore:

Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators Pixel Art

Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators Pixel Art

Fractions Operations Pixel Art

Additional Print Practice

A fun, no-prep way to practice adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators is Doodle Math — they’re a fresh take on color by number or color by code. It includes multiple levels of practice, perfect for a review day or sub plan.

Here are some activities to try:

Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions | Doodle Math: Twist on Color by Number

What are unlike denominators in fractions? Open

Unlike denominators are denominators that are different from each other in a fraction. In other words, when the numbers at the bottom of two or more fractions are not the same, they have unlike denominators.

Examples of unlike denominators:

1/3 and 1/4

2/5 and 3/8

5/6 and 7/9

How do I add fractions with unlike denominators? Open

To add fractions with unlike denominators, you need to find a common denominator. Once you have a common denominator, you can add the numerators together and keep the common denominator.

Steps to add fractions with unlike denominators:

Find a common denominator.

Rewrite each fraction with the common denominator.

Add the numerators together.

Write the sum over the common denominator.

How do I subtract fractions with unlike denominators? Open

Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators is similar to adding fractions with unlike denominators. You need to find a common denominator first, and then subtract the numerators while keeping the common denominator.

Steps to subtract fractions with unlike denominators:

Subtract the numerators.

Write the difference over the common denominator.

What is a common denominator? Open

A common denominator is a number that is divisible by all the denominators in a set of fractions. It is used to make the fractions have the same denominator so that they can be added or subtracted easily.

Example of finding a common denominator: Let's say we have the fractions 1/2 and 3/4. The common denominator for these fractions is 4 because it is divisible by both 2 and 4.

How do I find the common denominator for fractions? Open

To find the common denominator for fractions, you can use the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. The LCM is the smallest multiple that both denominators have in common.

Steps to find the common denominator for fractions:

Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.

Use the LCM as the common denominator for the fractions.

Can fractions with unlike denominators be simplified? Open

Yes, fractions with unlike denominators can be simplified. However, simplifying fractions is not necessary when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Simplifying is done to express the fraction in its simplest form.

Example of simplifying a fraction: Let's say we have the fraction 4/8. It can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF), which in this case is 4. So, 4/8 simplifies to 1/2.

How can I practice adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators? Open

You can practice adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators by using worksheets, online math activities, or interactive games. These resources provide practice problems and allow you to check your answers.

Available resources for practicing adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators:

Online math games

Interactive websites

Are there any real-life applications for adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators? Open

Yes, there are many real-life applications for adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Some examples include:

Calculating ingredients in a recipe

Determining discount percentages during shopping

Estimating time and distances in travel

Calculating portions and servings in food preparation

Adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators is a valuable skill that can help in various real-life situations where fractions are involved.

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Fractions: Add and Subtract Unlike Denominators

In this lesson, students will learn to solve addition and subtraction problems with unlike denominators. Students will learn methods and strategies for solving these problems and will practice solving them with the worksheets.

Included with this lesson are some adjustments or additions that you can make if you’d like, found in the “Options for Lesson” section of the Classroom Procedure page. All of the optional adjustments for this lesson are for the activity. One of the optional additions to this lesson is to have students create their own War problems on index cards, creating various levels of difficulty.

Description

Additional information, what our fractions: add and subtract unlike denominators lesson plan includes.

Lesson Objectives and Overview: Fractions: Add and Subtract Unlike Denominators teaches students how to add or subtract fractions with unlike denominators. They will know how to add or subtract fractions with like denominators. Students practice solving problems as a part of this lesson. This lesson is for students in 5th grade.

Classroom Procedure

Every lesson plan provides you with a classroom procedure page that outlines a step-by-step guide to follow. You do not have to follow the guide exactly. The guide helps you organize the lesson and details when to hand out worksheets. It also lists information in the blue box that you might find useful. You will find the lesson objectives, state standards, and number of class sessions the lesson should take to complete in this area. In addition, it describes the supplies you will need as well as what and how you need to prepare beforehand. The only supplies you will need for this lesson are scissors. To prepare for this lesson ahead of time, you can gather the supplies and copy the handouts.

Options for Lesson

Included with this lesson is an “Options for Lesson” section that lists a number of suggestions for activities to add to the lesson or substitutions for the ones already in the lesson. All of the optional adjustments for this lesson are for the activity. You can have students create their own War problems on index cards, creating various levels of difficulty. Students can play in groups of three or four. If you have students who are struggling, you can make sure they only use denominators under 6. Finally, if you have students who need more of a challenge, you can either use larger numbers or incorporate three numbers into the expression to make it more difficult.

Teacher Notes

The teacher notes page includes a paragraph with additional guidelines and things to think about as you begin to plan your lesson. This page also includes lines that you can use to add your own notes as you’re preparing for this lesson.

FRACTIONS: ADD AND SUBTRACT UNLIKE DENOMINATORS LESSON PLAN CONTENT PAGES

Fractions – add and subtract unlike denominators.

The Fractions: Add and Subtract Unlike Denominators lesson plan includes three content pages. The lesson begins by stating that you have to have a common denominator (the same denominator) to add or subtract fractions. The bottom number in a fraction is called the denominator. The lesson shows examples of common and unlike (different) denominators. In order to find a common denominator, you need to find the least common multiple.

For the example problem 2/3 + 1/9, we must first find the least common multiple of 3 and 9. Multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, and multiples of 9 start with 9. Therefore, the least common multiple is 9. Next, you must multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 3 in the first fraction to create the common denominator, because 3 x 3 = 9 (the new denominator). The original fraction is 2/3, so the new one is 6/9 (2 x 3 = 6 and 3 x 3 = 9). You can then add the fractions together easily. 6/9 + 1/9 = 7/9.

The lesson next shows another addition example and a subtraction example that uses the same process. It then shows an example that includes a mixed number. For mixed numbers, you must first change the mixed number into an improper fraction. You then solve using the same method! Your final answer can be written either as an improper fraction or you can change it back to a mixed number.

FRACTIONS: ADD AND SUBTRACT UNLIKE DENOMINATORS LESSON PLAN WORKSHEETS

The Fractions: Add and Subtract Unlike Denominators lesson plan includes three worksheets: an activity worksheet, a practice worksheet, and a homework assignment. You can refer to the guide on the classroom procedure page to determine when to hand out each worksheet.

WAR ACTIVITY WORKSHEET

For the activity worksheet, students will play a fun game of War using the provided cards (which they will need to cut out of the worksheet). To play, each student will flip over a card and solve the problem. The highest card wins!

SOLVE THE PROBLEMS PRACTICE WORKSHEET

The practice worksheet asks students to solve 12 addition or subtraction problems. They must show their work and circle their answer.

FRACTIONS: ADD AND SUBTRACT UNLIKE DENOMINATORS HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

For the homework assignment, which is structured in the same way as the practice worksheet, students will solve 12 addition or subtraction problems. They must show their work and circle their answer.

Worksheet Answer Keys

This lesson plan includes answer keys for the practice worksheet and the homework assignment. If you choose to administer the lesson pages to your students via PDF, you will need to save a new file that omits these pages. Otherwise, you can simply print out the applicable pages and keep these as reference for yourself when grading assignments.

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Exploring Unlike Fractions - Lesson Plan

Join us on an exciting math adventure as we unlock the power of comparing unlike fractions. in this interactive lesson, students will learn various strategies to compare fractions with different denominators. from using one whole to finding common denominators, students will develop a deep understanding of fraction comparison. through engaging tasks and activities, students will practice their skills and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. by the end of this lesson, students will be confident in their ability to compare unlike fractions and make informed mathematical decisions..

Know more about Exploring Unlike Fractions - Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students will learn various strategies for comparing unlike fractions, including using one whole and finding the common denominator.

Finding a common denominator allows us to make equivalent fractions and accurately compare the numerators.

You can apply your knowledge by solving real-world problems that involve comparing quantities or measurements represented by unlike fractions.

Your one stop solution for all grade learning needs.

Curriculum  /  Math  /  5th Grade  /  Unit 4: Addition and Subtraction of Fractions/Decimals  /  Lesson 4

Addition and Subtraction of Fractions/Decimals

Lesson 4 of 15

Criteria for Success

Tips for teachers, anchor tasks.

Problem Set

Target Task

Additional practice.

Add fractions with unlike denominators whose sum is less than 1.

Common Core Standards

Core standards.

The core standards covered in this lesson

Number and Operations—Fractions

5.NF.A.1 — Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators. For example, 2/3 + 5/4 = 8/12 + 15/12 = 23/12. (In general, a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/bd.)

5.NF.A.2 — Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. Use benchmark fractions and number sense of fractions to estimate mentally and assess the reasonableness of answers. For example, recognize an incorrect result 2/5 + 1/2 = 3/7, by observing that 3/7 < 1/2.

Foundational Standards

The foundational standards covered in this lesson

4.NF.A.1 — Explain why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (n × a)/(n × b) by using visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size. Use this principle to recognize and generate equivalent fractions.

4.NF.B.3 — Understand a fraction a/b with a > 1 as a sum of fractions 1/b.

The essential concepts students need to demonstrate or understand to achieve the lesson objective

• Understand that in order to add quantities, they must have the same unit (which in the case of fractions, are their denominators). 
• Find common units for fractions with unlike denominators by finding equivalent fractions using a number line and an area model (MP.5).
• Understand that there is more than one possibility for the common unit used, one of which is the least common denominator. 
• Add two fractions with unlike denominators whose sum is less than 1 (and therefore does not require regrouping), simplifying the sum if applicable.
• Solve one-step word problems involving the addition of two fractions with unlike denominators whose sum is less than 1 (MP.4).

Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson

• Throughout the unit, students are encouraged to use whatever common denominator they like, never forced to use the least common denominator.  The Progressions for the Common Core State Standards in Math state, “It is not necessary to find a least common denominator to calculate sums of fractions, and in fact the effort of finding a least common denominator is a distraction from understanding algorithms for adding fractions” (p. 11). 
• The algorithm for adding fractions with unlike denominators is explicitly discussed in Lesson 6. However, students might uncover it before then, especially since students have used multiplication and division to find equivalent fractions in Grade 4 (4.NF.1) and in Lesson 1. If that does happen, you can discuss it as a class when it comes up naturally, and allow students to use it as a strategy before then. 
• Keep anchor charts from the Anchor Tasks in Lessons 4 and 5 up after their instruction. When students get to the generalized algorithm for adding fractions with unlike denominators in Lesson 6, it may be helpful for students to see multiple examples of previous problems they’ve completed.
• Before the Problem Set, you could have students play a game to practice adding fractions with unlike denominators, such as "Wacky Fractions" or "Fraction Addition War", from Games with Fraction Strips and Fraction Cards  on  The Max Ray Blog .

Lesson Materials

• Optional : Square-sized paper (1 per student) — Students might not need these depending on their reliance on concrete materials.

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Tasks designed to teach criteria for success of the lesson, and guidance to help draw out student understanding

a.   Solve. 

• 1 orange + 3 oranges = ___________
• 1 child + 3 adults = ___________

b.   What do you notice about Part (a) above? What do you wonder? 

Guiding Questions

Grade 5 Mathematics > Module 3 > Topic B > Lesson 3 of the New York State Common Core Mathematics Curriculum from EngageNY and Great Minds . © 2015 Great Minds. Licensed by EngageNY of the New York State Education Department under the CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US  license. Accessed Dec. 2, 2016, 5:15 p.m..

Solve. Show or explain your work.

a.    $${{1\over2}+{1\over4}}$$

b.    $$\frac{1}{5}+\frac{2}{3}$$

c.    $$\frac{3}{4}+\frac{1}{6}$$

Nick and Tasha are buying supplies for a camping trip. They need to buy chocolate bars to make s’mores, their favorite campfire dessert. Each of them has a different recipe for their perfect s’more. Nick likes to use  $$\frac{1}{3}$$ of a chocolate bar to make a s’more. Tasha will only eat a s’more that is made with exactly  $$\frac{1}{6}$$ of a chocolate bar. What fraction of a chocolate bar will Nick and Tasha use in total if they each eat one s’more?

Making S'Mores , accessed on Feb. 15, 2018, 12:16 p.m., is licensed by Illustrative Mathematics under either the  CC BY 4.0  or  CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 . For further information, contact Illustrative Mathematics .

Unlock the answer keys for this lesson's problem set and extra practice problems to save time and support student learning.

Discussion of Problem Set

• Look at #1. What fractions are equivalent to $$\frac{4}{9}$$ ? What fractions are equivalent to $$\frac{2}{6}$$ ? What equivalent fractions did you use to add these fractions together? 
• Look at #2. How did you use the number line to figure out the sum? 
• Look at #6. How did you use an area model to find your answer?
• Look at #8. For part (a), what common denominators did you choose? Why do both of them work? For part (c), how did you solve? What did you get as the sum? 
• Look at #9. What is the sum of the two fractions you came up with? Was anyone able to find a closer sum? Did anyone get an exact sum of $$\frac{1}{2}$$ ? 

A task that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved

  $${{1\over2}+{1\over7}}$$

Carpenters are laying down hardwood floors in a living room. On the first day, they laid down  $$\frac{2}{5}$$ of the whole floor. On the second day, they laid down $$\frac{1}{4}$$  of the whole floor. The area model shown can be used to find how much of the whole floor they laid over the two days.

• How much of the floor did they lay down over the two days?
• Explain how the area model can be used to answer the question.

Student Response

An example response to the Target Task at the level of detail expected of the students.

The Extra Practice Problems can be used as additional practice for homework, during an intervention block, etc. Daily Word Problems and Fluency Activities are aligned to the content of the unit but not necessarily to the lesson objective, therefore feel free to use them anytime during your school day.

Extra Practice Problems

Answer keys for Problem Sets and Extra Practice Problems are available with a Fishtank Plus subscription.

Word Problems and Fluency Activities

Help students strengthen their application and fluency skills with daily word problem practice and content-aligned fluency activities.

Topic A: Addition and Subtraction of Fractions

Recognize and generate equivalent fractions.

Add fractions with like denominators.

Subtract fractions with like denominators.

5.NF.A.1 5.NF.A.2

Subtract fractions from fractions less than 1 with unlike denominators.

Add fractions with unlike denominators whose sum is less than 2.

Subtract fractions from fractions less than 2 with unlike denominators.

Add fractions with unlike denominators whose sum is greater than 2.

Subtract fractions from fractions greater than 2 with unlike denominators.

Use benchmark fractions and number sense to estimate mentally and assess the reasonableness of answers.

Add and subtract more than two fractions. 

Solve two- and multi-step word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions.

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Topic B: Addition and Subtraction of Decimals

Add decimals.

Subtract decimals.

Solve two- and multi-step word problems involving addition and subtraction of decimals.

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Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators

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Online Math Game: Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Add fractions with unlike denominators in this interactive math game for kids. Students will have the opportunity to practice addition with fractions that do not have the same denominator. Students will be required to find common denominators in order to add the fractions. They will be asked to simplify the fractions if possible. Here are the types of questions students can expect to encounter in this online math lesson:

* Solve a word problem containing fractions with unlike denominators.

* Solve addition problems with fractions in a vertical format.

* Solve fractional addition problems in a horizontal format. Use fraction strips to visualize the math problem.

Math Practice in the Form of a Game

Elementary-aged students enjoy using the math lessons on iKnowit.com because each lesson feels like an exciting math game. The interactive math practice sessions are presented in a dynamic, kid-friendly format. Kids find our math games fun and entertaining.

Every time a student answers a question correctly, a cute animated character sends positive feedback by doing a funny dance clever trick. When a student answers a question incorrectly, the explanation page pops up with an easy-to-read graphic that breaks down the steps of the problem so the student can learn from his or her mistake.

If a student finds that he or she needs a push in the right direction, there's the "Hint" button in the lower left hand corner of the screen to refer to, at the teacher or parents' will. When the student clicks the "Hint" icon, he or she will be given a clue to help solve the math problem. Teachers or parents can decide how many hints per lesson a student should get.

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iKnowit.com members who have an account with us will have unlimited access to all the helpful administrative features on iKnowit.com. Teachers can set up a class roster, add students to it, assign lessons to individual students, and keep track of their students' scores.

Each time a student logs into iKnowit.com, you will be able to track their progress and observe which problems are more difficult for that student. The student login page is "kid-friendly." Students will easily find the "Assignments from the Teacher" tab at the top of the page. They will also be shown a variety of suggested math topics to explore.

Students will not be able to see the grade level of the assignments they're given by the teacher, so educators can assign at a higher or lower grade level as needed.

Other administrative features include the ability to turn on and off the animated characters and the hint mode. Teachers can also choose whether they'd like students to use the read-aloud audio option.

iKnowit.com is continually growing! We have hundreds of math lessons on the website, and more are being added regularly! Browse through our collection of math games for kids and find a wide variety of topics for all your math teaching needs! To see more games for fourth grade, please visit our Fourth Grade Math page.

This lesson is labeled as Level D and is targeted toward fourth graders.

Common Core Standard

5.NF.2, MA.5.FR.2.1, MA.5.AR.1.2 , 5.3H Number And Operations - Fractions Use Equivalent Fractions As A Strategy To Add And Subtract Fractions. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. Use benchmark fractions and number sense of fractions

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Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions Lesson Plan: Check The Denominator!

Submitted by: angela watson.

In this lesson plan adaptable for grades 3-8, students use BrainPOP to learn how to identify the lowest common denominator in equations, and add and subtract unlike fractions. They’ll also explain in words and pictures how to add and subtract fractions.

Lesson Plan Common Core State Standards Alignments

Students will:.

• Identify the lowest common denominator in equations
• Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
• Explain in words and pictures how to add and subtract fractions
• Two small containers, bags, or baskets to hold the index cards during the activity
• One large sheet of unlined paper for each pair of students
• Computer and projector to show BrainPOP resources
• One index card for each student
• Scissors for students to cut apart index cards (or you can pre-cut them)

Vocabulary:

Preparation:, lesson procedure:.

• After your introductory lesson in adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, activate student knowledge by beginning this lesson with the question on the Related Reading page: What's the easiest way to find a common denominator of two fractions? Give students time to recall and discuss this information with a partner, then share the Related Reading page with the class.
• Deepen students' understanding of the topic by showing the Adding and Subtracting Fractions movie.
• Pass out an index card to each student, and have them fold the cards in half. Each student should write a number sentence that involves either adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, placing the answer portion of the equation on the second half of the index card. Ask students to show their equation to a partner to check for accuracy.
• Have students cut their index cards in half so the problem and answer to their equation are now on two separate pieces.
• Collect all the index card pieces from students, keeping the problems in one container and the answers in another.
• Divide the class in half, and randomly distribute the problems to one half of the class and the answers to other half.
• On your signal, have students stand up and push in their chairs, then walk over to the students in the group opposite of them to find the matching half of their equation. Students should then sit down next to each other to indicate they have found their match.
• Facilitate a discussion with the whole class regarding any remaining students who cannot find a match to ensure everyone has a correct equation. Is it possible that more than one problem might have the same answer?
• Have students return their index cards to the containers and go back to their seats, and then repeat the game play for an additional round or two.
• After the final round of play, have students keep their index cards and partners. Ask the pairs of students to find the lowest common denominator for the fractions on the card and write it on the back.
• Distribute a large sheet of unlined paper to each pair of students, and ask them to copy the equation from the index cards and the lowest common denominators for the equation onto the big paper.
• Students should then use the large paper to illustrate the fractions in a way that shows the relationship between the original equation and the equation that uses the lowest common denominator to make adding/subtracting possible. Students may wish to add instructions that show how to convert the numbers and solve.
• Put each pair of students with another pair to form a group of 4, and have them present their posters to the other two students in their group.

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Course: 5th grade   >   Unit 4

Adding fractions with unlike denominators introduction.

• Adding fractions with unlike denominators
• Add fractions with unlike denominators
• Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators introduction
• Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators
• Adding and subtracting 3 fractions
• Solving for the missing fraction
• Add and subtract fractions

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Video transcript