Adding and Subtracting Fractions Mastery

Year 6 Mathematics National Curriculum for England Building Fluency and Reasoning Skills

Types of Fractions - Quick Recap

Unit fractions: 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 Proper fractions: 2/5, 3/7, 4/9 Improper fractions: 5/3, 7/4, 8/5 Mixed numbers: 2 1/3, 1 2/5, 3 1/4

Fraction Recognition Challenge

Look at the fractions on your mini whiteboards Sort them into: Unit, Proper, Improper, Mixed Work in pairs - discuss your reasoning Be ready to explain your thinking!

Adding Fractions - Same Denominator

Keep the denominator the same Add only the numerators Example: 3/7 + 2/7 = 5/7 Check if answer can be simplified

Finding the Lowest Common Denominator (LCD)

Find the smallest number both denominators divide into Example: 1/4 + 1/6 Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16... Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18... LCD = 12

Step-by-Step: Adding Different Denominators

Your Turn: Practice Problem

Calculate: 2/5 + 1/3 Work with your partner Show all your steps What's the LCD? What's your final answer?

Working with Mixed Numbers

Method 1: Convert to improper fractions first Method 2: Add whole numbers and fractions separately Example: 2 1/3 + 1 2/5 Convert: 7/3 + 7/5, then find LCD

Mixed Number Addition Example

{"left":"2 1/3 + 1 2/5\nConvert to improper fractions\n2 1/3 = 7/3\n1 2/5 = 7/5\nFind LCD of 3 and 5 = 15","right":"7/3 = 35/15\n7/5 = 21/15\n35/15 + 21/15 = 56/15\nConvert back: 56 ÷ 15 = 3 remainder 11\nAnswer: 3 11/15"}

Guided Practice Session

Work in pairs with mini whiteboards Solve these problems step by step: 3/8 + 1/4 1 1/2 + 2/3 Show your working clearly Explain your method to your partner

Subtracting Fractions

Same principles as addition Find LCD when denominators differ Subtract numerators only Example: 3/4 - 1/6 = 9/12 - 2/12 = 7/12

Fraction Card Challenge

Work in groups of 6 Use fraction cards to create addition and subtraction problems Solve problems using fraction strips Present one solution to the class Explain your method clearly