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Subtracting Unlike Denominators

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Subtracting Unlike Denominators

Fraction subtraction illustration

🔍 Part 1: Finding Common Denominators

1. Find the least common denominator (LCD) for each pair of fractions:

a) 3/4 and 1/6 LCD = _____

b) 2/5 and 3/8 LCD = _____

c) 5/9 and 1/3 LCD = _____

2. Convert these fractions to equivalent fractions with the LCD:

a) 3/4 = _____/12 and 1/6 = _____/12

b) 2/5 = _____/40 and 3/8 = _____/40

3. Which method helps you find common denominators? Choose the best answer:

Multiply the denominators together

Find the least common multiple (LCM)

Add the denominators

Use the largest denominator

➖ Part 2: Subtraction Practice

4. Solve these subtraction problems. Show your working:

a) 7/8 - 1/4 =

b) 5/6 - 2/9 =

c) 3/4 - 3/10 =

5. Circle the correct answer for: 2/3 - 1/5

1/2

7/15

1/8

10/15

📝 Part 3: Word Problems

6. Sarah had 3/4 of a pizza. She gave 1/6 of the whole pizza to her brother. How much pizza does Sarah have left?

Answer: _____________ of the pizza

7. A recipe calls for 5/6 cup of flour. Tom has already added 1/4 cup. How much more flour does he need to add?

Answer: _____________ cup

8. Explain in your own words how to subtract fractions with different denominators:
9. Check your work! Which of these show correct subtraction? Tick all that apply:

1/2 - 1/4 = 1/4

3/5 - 1/3 = 2/2

7/10 - 2/5 = 3/10

5/8 - 1/4 = 3/8

👩‍🏫 Teacher Notes & Differentiation Strategies

Support for ESL Students:

• Provide vocabulary cards: "denominator," "numerator," "common," "subtract"

• Use sentence frames: "First, I find the LCD by ___. Then I convert ___."

• Pair with bilingual buddy for explanation tasks

Support for ASD Students:

• Break tasks into clear steps with visual cues

• Provide fraction strip manipulatives for visual support

• Use consistent colour coding (denominators in blue, numerators in red)

Support for ADHD Students:

• Allow movement breaks between sections

• Provide fidget tools during independent work

• Chunk problems: complete 2-3 questions, then check progress

Extension Activities:

• Challenge: Create your own word problem involving fraction subtraction

• Investigate: What happens when you subtract a larger fraction from a smaller one?

Assessment Focus:

• Can students find LCD correctly?

• Do they convert fractions accurately before subtracting?

• Can they explain their reasoning clearly?

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