Fraction Fun: Add & Subtract!

Sa

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Fraction Fun: Add & Subtract!

Students will be able to add and subtract fractions with like denominators accurately.

Understanding how to add and subtract fractions is a fundamental skill in mathematics that is used in everyday life, from baking to understanding measurements. This lesson provides a strong foundation for more complex fraction concepts.

Audience

4th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Through direct instruction, visual models, and guided practice.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, Fraction Fun Slide Deck, Fraction Practice Worksheet, and Fraction Practice Answer Key

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Review the Fraction Fun Slide Deck and practice presenting the material.
- Print copies of the Fraction Practice Worksheet for each student.
- Have the Fraction Practice Answer Key ready for quick reference.
- Ensure whiteboard or projector is ready for use.
- Review all generated materials as needed to familiarize yourself with the content and ensure alignment with your teaching style and classroom needs.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's a Fraction?

5 minutes

Begin by asking students what they remember about fractions. Use a quick think-pair-share.
- Display a few simple fraction examples (e.g., 1/2, 3/4) and ask students to identify the numerator and denominator.

Step 2

Introduction to Adding Fractions

10 minutes

Use the Fraction Fun Slide Deck to introduce adding fractions with like denominators.
- Emphasize that only the numerators are added, while the denominator stays the same.
- Use visual examples (e.g., pizza slices, shaded shapes) to illustrate the concept clearly.

Step 3

Guided Practice: Adding Fractions

10 minutes

Work through 3-4 example problems of adding fractions with like denominators as a class using the Fraction Fun Slide Deck.
- Encourage students to explain their thought process.
- Address any misconceptions immediately.

Step 4

Introduction to Subtracting Fractions

10 minutes

Transition to subtracting fractions with like denominators using the Fraction Fun Slide Deck.
- Explain that similar to addition, only the numerators are subtracted.
- Provide visual examples to reinforce understanding.

Step 5

Guided Practice: Subtracting Fractions

5 minutes

Work through 2-3 example problems of subtracting fractions with like denominators as a class using the Fraction Fun Slide Deck.
- Ask students to demonstrate how they would solve them.
- Review and correct as a group.

Step 6

Independent Practice & Wrap-Up

5 minutes

Distribute the Fraction Practice Worksheet.
- Students begin working independently on the worksheet.
- Collect worksheets at the end of class for assessment.
- Briefly recap the main points of adding and subtracting fractions.

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Slide Deck

Warm-Up: What's a Fraction?

Think-Pair-Share!

What is a fraction?
Where do you see fractions in real life?
Can you name the two parts of a fraction?

Welcome students and prepare them for a quick warm-up. Ask them to think about what a fraction represents.

Adding Fractions: Same Denominators!

When adding fractions with the same denominator:

Add the numerators (the top numbers).
The denominator (the bottom number) stays the same!

Example: 1/4 + 2/4 = ?

Think: 1 apple slice + 2 apple slices = 3 apple slices. The apple is still cut into 4 pieces!

Introduce the concept of adding fractions with like denominators. Emphasize that the denominator stays the same. Use visual aids like pie charts or bar models if available.

Let's Add! Example 1

1/5 + 2/5 = ?

Step 1: Look at the denominators. Are they the same? (Yes, both are 5)
Step 2: Add the numerators: 1 + 2 = ?
Step 3: Keep the denominator the same.

Answer: 3/5

Work through the first example problem. Ask students for input on each step. Reinforce the rule: add numerators, keep denominators.

Let's Add! Example 2

3/8 + 4/8 = ?

Step 1: Check the denominators.
Step 2: Add the numerators: 3 + 4 = ?
Step 3: Keep the denominator.

Answer: 7/8

Work through the second example. Encourage a different student to explain the steps this time.

Subtracting Fractions: Same Denominators!

When subtracting fractions with the same denominator:

Subtract the numerators (the top numbers).
The denominator (the bottom number) stays the same!

Example: 3/4 - 1/4 = ?

Think: 3 cookies - 1 cookie = 2 cookies. The cookies are still cut into 4 pieces!

Transition to subtracting fractions. Explain the similarity to addition in terms of denominators.

Let's Subtract! Example 1

5/6 - 2/6 = ?

Step 1: Look at the denominators. Are they the same? (Yes, both are 6)
Step 2: Subtract the numerators: 5 - 2 = ?
Step 3: Keep the denominator the same.

Answer: 3/6

Guide students through the first subtraction example. Pay attention to students who might try to subtract the denominators.

Let's Subtract! Example 2

7/10 - 3/10 = ?

Step 1: Check the denominators.
Step 2: Subtract the numerators: 7 - 3 = ?
Step 3: Keep the denominator.

Answer: 4/10

Guide students through the second subtraction example.

Time for Practice!

You've got this!

Now you'll get a worksheet to practice adding and subtracting fractions.
Remember the rules!
Work carefully and show your understanding.

Explain that students will now work on a worksheet independently. Remind them to apply what they've learned.

Worksheet

Fraction Practice: Add & Subtract!

Directions: Solve each problem. Remember to add or subtract only the numerators when the denominators are the same. Show your work!

Part 1: Adding Fractions

1/3 + 1/3 =
2/5 + 1/5 =
3/7 + 2/7 =
4/9 + 3/9 =
1/6 + 3/6 =

Part 2: Subtracting Fractions

2/4 - 1/4 =
4/5 - 2/5 =
5/8 - 3/8 =
7/10 - 3/10 =
5/6 - 1/6 =

Challenge! (Optional)

You ate 1/8 of a pizza, and your friend ate 2/8 of the same pizza. How much pizza did you eat together?
A recipe calls for 5/4 cups of flour. You only have 2/4 cups. How much more flour do you need?

Answer Key

Fraction Practice Answer Key

Part 1: Adding Fractions

1/3 + 1/3
- Thought Process: The denominators are the same (3). Add the numerators (1 + 1 = 2). Keep the denominator the same.
- Answer: 2/3
2/5 + 1/5
- Thought Process: Denominators are the same (5). Add numerators (2 + 1 = 3). Keep the denominator.
- Answer: 3/5
3/7 + 2/7
- Thought Process: Denominators are the same (7). Add numerators (3 + 2 = 5). Keep the denominator.
- Answer: 5/7
4/9 + 3/9
- Thought Process: Denominators are the same (9). Add numerators (4 + 3 = 7). Keep the denominator.
- Answer: 7/9
1/6 + 3/6
- Thought Process: Denominators are the same (6). Add numerators (1 + 3 = 4). Keep the denominator.
- Answer: 4/6

Part 2: Subtracting Fractions

2/4 - 1/4
- Thought Process: Denominators are the same (4). Subtract numerators (2 - 1 = 1). Keep the denominator.
- Answer: 1/4
4/5 - 2/5
- Thought Process: Denominators are the same (5). Subtract numerators (4 - 2 = 2). Keep the denominator.
- Answer: 2/5
5/8 - 3/8
- Thought Process: Denominators are the same (8). Subtract numerators (5 - 3 = 2). Keep the denominator.
- Answer: 2/8
7/10 - 3/10
- Thought Process: Denominators are the same (10). Subtract numerators (7 - 3 = 4). Keep the denominator.
- Answer: 4/10
5/6 - 1/6
- Thought Process: Denominators are the same (6). Subtract numerators (5 - 1 = 4). Keep the denominator.
- Answer: 4/6

Challenge! (Optional)

You ate 1/8 of a pizza, and your friend ate 2/8 of the same pizza. How much pizza did you eat together?
- Thought Process: This is an addition problem. Add the fractions of pizza eaten: 1/8 + 2/8. Denominators are the same (8). Add numerators (1 + 2 = 3). Keep the denominator.
- Answer: 3/8 of the pizza
A recipe calls for 5/4 cups of flour. You only have 2/4 cups. How much more flour do you need?
- Thought Process: This is a subtraction problem. Subtract the amount you have from the amount needed: 5/4 - 2/4. Denominators are the same (4). Subtract numerators (5 - 2 = 3). Keep the denominator.
- Answer: 3/4 cups of flour