Fraction Operations Review

Lesson Overview

Grade: 6
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 13 students
Unit: Mastering Numbers & Ratios
Lesson: 13 of 30
Title: Review of Fraction Operations
Description: Comprehensive review of adding, subtracting, and dividing fractions and mixed numbers, with an emphasis on problem-solving.

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Common Core Standards Addressed

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.A.1
Interpret and compute quotients of fractions, and solve word problems involving division of fractions by fractions.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.A.1
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions to produce like denominators.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.B.7
Apply and extend previous understandings of division to divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• I can add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators.
• I can divide fractions and mixed numbers and explain my thinking.
• I can solve word problems involving addition, subtraction, and division of fractions and mixed numbers.

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Success Criteria

• Accurately add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators.
• Demonstrate the correct method for dividing fractions and mixed numbers, including solving related word problems.
• Communicate problem-solving strategies clearly, either verbally or in writing.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Fraction strips or fraction tiles (physical or digital)
• Student notebooks or math journals
• Worksheet with mixed problems (adding, subtracting, dividing fractions and mixed numbers)
• Dyslexia-friendly reading cards with simplified problem statements and visuals
• Timer or stopwatch

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Activity: Quick fraction facts game

• Verbally quiz students with simple fraction addition or subtraction to activate prior knowledge.
• Example questions: "What is 1/4 + 3/4?" or "Subtract 2/3 from 5/3."
• Use fraction strips or visual aids as clues to support struggling learners.

Differentiation: Provide visual fraction strips and allow students to pair-share answers. Use dyslexia-friendly, large-print cards with visual models.

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2. Review of Adding and Subtracting Fractions & Mixed Numbers (10 minutes)

Instruction:

• Briefly revisit strategies for finding common denominators.
• Model an example of adding mixed numbers (e.g., 2 1/3 + 1 2/5).
• Do same for subtraction (e.g., 4 1/2 – 2 2/3).
• Highlight the importance of converting mixed numbers to improper fractions if it helps.

Guided Practice:

• Students work in pairs to solve 2 problems from the worksheet, explaining their steps aloud.
• Encourage use of fraction tiles or strips for concrete understanding.

Differentiation:

• For students needing more support, provide step-by-step visual guide sheets or fraction strips.
• For advanced learners, add a challenge problem involving three or more terms or improper fractions converted back to mixed numbers.

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3. Dividing Fractions and Mixed Numbers (10 minutes)

Instruction:

• Review the concept of “keep, change, flip” (multiply by the reciprocal).
• Use a visual model (area model or number line) to show what division means in this context.
• Demonstrate dividing a fraction by a mixed number (e.g., 3/4 ÷ 1 1/2).

Guided Practice:

• Students individually solve 2 division problems from the worksheet.
• Invite students to explain their reasoning verbally to the class or in pairs.

Differentiation:

• Provide visual aids and step prompts for students with reading difficulties.
• For advanced learners, challenge them with a word problem requiring division of fractions embedded in a real-life context (e.g., dividing a recipe).

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4. Word Problem Application & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

Activity:

• Present 1-2 word problems that combine addition/subtraction and division of fractions. Example:
  “Sarah had 3 1/2 yards of fabric. She used 1 3/4 yards for a dress. She wants to divide the remaining fabric into pieces that are 1/4 yard each. How many pieces can she cut?”
• Students solve individually, then share solutions and strategies aloud.

Wrap-Up Discussion:

• Recap key strategies: common denominators, converting mixed numbers, “keep, change, flip.”
• Ask students to state an “I can” reflection: “I can...”

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Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners

• Use multisensory teaching tools: fraction tiles, visual models, manipulatives.
• Provide dyslexia-friendly materials with larger font, color coding, and simplified language.
• Offer peer support by pairing stronger students with those needing assistance.
• Use chunking: break problems into manageable steps.
• Provide oral instructions and allow verbal responses for students with writing difficulties.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Investigate dividing fractions by fractions using real-life measurement challenges.
• Create their own word problems involving fraction operations to exchange and solve with classmates.
• Explore adding, subtracting, and dividing mixed numbers with three or more terms.

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Assessment

• Informal checks during guided practice through observation and questioning.
• Review worksheet problems for accuracy and understanding.
• Verbal explanations during wrap-up to assess conceptual grasp and communication skills.

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Reflect on learning:
Ask students to complete this sentence on a sticky note before dismissal:
“Today I learned how to ____ with fractions, and I can use this to ____.”

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End of Lesson