Adding and subtracting fractions

Here you will learn about adding and subtracting fractions, including fractions with the same denominator, fractions with different denominators, and mixed numbers.

Students will first learn about adding and subtracting fractions as part of number and operations in fractions in elementary school.

What is adding and subtracting fractions?

Adding and subtracting fractions is when you combine or subtract two or more fractions to find the total or the difference.

To add and subtract fractions, they need a common denominator (bottom number). Then you can add or subtract the fractions by adding or subtracting the numerators (top numbers).

If the fractions have the same denominators already, then the numerators can be easily added or subtracted and the denominator stays the same.

For example,

\cfrac{5}{8}-\cfrac{1}{8}=

The equation is taking \cfrac{1}{8} away from \cfrac{5}{8}.

Since the denominators are the same, the parts are the same size. You subtract to see how many parts are left: 5-1=4.

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Image 1

There are 4 parts. But what size are the parts? They are still eighths, so the denominator stays the same.

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Image 2

\cfrac{5}{8}=\cfrac{1}{8}=\cfrac{4}{8}

If the fractions have unlike denominators, you use equivalent fractions to create fractions with common denominators.

For example,

\cfrac{2}{9}+\cfrac{2}{3}=

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Image 3

Since the denominators are NOT the same, the parts are NOT the same size. Use equivalent fractions to create a common denominator of 9. Multiply the numerator and denominator of \frac{2}{3} by 3.

\cfrac{2 \; \times \; 3}{3 \; \times \; 3}=\cfrac{6}{9}

\cfrac{2}{9}+\cfrac{6}{9}=

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Image 4

You add to see how many parts there are in total: 2 + 6 = 8.

There are 8 parts. But what size are the parts? They are still ninths, so the denominator stays the same.

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Image 5

\cfrac{2}{9}+\cfrac{2}{3}=\cfrac{8}{9}

Step-by-step guide: Adding fractions

Step-by-step guide: Subtracting fractions

What is adding and subtracting fractions?

What is adding and subtracting fractions?

Common Core State Standards

How does this relate to 4th grade math and 5th grade math?

  • Grade 4 – Number and Operations – Fractions (4.NF.B.3a)
    Understand addition and subtraction of fractions as joining and separating parts referring to the same whole.

  • Grade 4 – Number and Operations – Fractions (4.NF.B.3c)
    Add and subtract mixed numbers with like denominators, e.g., by replacing each mixed number with an equivalent fraction, and/or by using properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.

  • Grade 5 – 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, \cfrac{2}{3} + \cfrac{5}{4} = \cfrac{8}{12} + \cfrac{15}{12} = \cfrac{23}{12}. \; ( In general, \cfrac{a}{b} + \cfrac{c}{d} = \cfrac{(ad \; + \; bc)}{bd}.)

How to add and subtract fractions

In order to add or subtract fractions with like denominators:

  1. Add or subtract the numerators (top numbers).
  2. Write your answer as a fraction.

In order to add or subtract mixed numbers with like denominators:

  1. Add or subtract the fractions, borrowing if needed.
  2. Add or subtract the whole numbers.
  3. Write your answer as a mixed number.

In order to add or subtract fractions with unlike denominators:

  1. Create common denominators (bottom numbers).
  2. Add or subtract the numerators (top numbers).
  3. Write your answer as a fraction.

In order to add or subtract mixed numbers with unlike denominators:

  1. Create common denominators (bottom numbers).
  2. Add or subtract the fractions, borrowing if needed.
  3. Add or subtract the whole numbers.
  4. Write your answer as a mixed number.

[FREE] Fraction Operations Check for Understanding Quiz (Grade 4 to 6)

[FREE] Fraction Operations Check for Understanding Quiz (Grade 4 to 6)

[FREE] Fraction Operations Check for Understanding Quiz (Grade 4 to 6)

Use this quiz to check your grade 4 to 6 students’ understanding of fraction operations. 10+ questions with answers covering a range of 4th to 6th grade fraction operations topics to identify areas of strength and support!

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[FREE] Fraction Operations Check for Understanding Quiz (Grade 4 to 6)

[FREE] Fraction Operations Check for Understanding Quiz (Grade 4 to 6)

[FREE] Fraction Operations Check for Understanding Quiz (Grade 4 to 6)

Use this quiz to check your grade 4 to 6 students’ understanding of fraction operations. 10+ questions with answers covering a range of 4th to 6th grade fraction operations topics to identify areas of strength and support!

DOWNLOAD FREE

Adding and subtracting fractions examples

Example 1: adding fractions with like denominators

Solve \cfrac{3}{10}+\cfrac{4}{10}.

  1. Add or subtract the numerators (top numbers). 

\cfrac{3}{10}+\cfrac{4}{10}=

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Example 1 Image 1

Since the denominators are the same, the parts are the same size. You add to see how many parts there are in total: 3 + 4 = 7.

2Write your answer as a fraction.

There are 7 parts. But what size are the parts? They are still tenths, so the denominator stays the same.

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Example 1 Image 2

\cfrac{3}{10}+\cfrac{4}{10}=\cfrac{7}{10}

Example 2: subtracting fractions with like denominators

Solve \cfrac{3}{4}-\cfrac{1}{4}.

Add or subtract the numerators (top numbers).

Write your answer as a fraction.

Example 3: adding mixed numbers with like denominators

Solve 2 \cfrac{4}{6}+3 \cfrac{5}{6}.

Add or subtract the whole numbers.

Add or subtract the fractions.

Write your answer as a mixed number.

Example 4: subtracting mixed numbers with like denominators

Solve 3 \cfrac{1}{5}-1 \cfrac{3}{5}.

Add or subtract the fractions, borrowing if needed.

Add or subtract the whole numbers.

Write your answer as a mixed number.

Example 5: adding fractions with unlike denominators

Solve \cfrac{7}{8}+\cfrac{1}{3}.

Create common denominators (bottom numbers).

Add or subtract the numerators (top numbers).

Write your answer as a fraction.

Example 6: subtracting fractions with unlike denominators

Solve \cfrac{5}{6}-\cfrac{1}{2}.

Create common denominators (bottom numbers).

Add or subtract the numerators (top numbers).

Write your answer as a fraction.

Example 7: adding mixed numbers with unlike denominators

Solve 1 \cfrac{2}{4}+1 \cfrac{5}{12}.

Add or subtract the whole numbers.

Create common denominators (bottom numbers).

Add or subtract the fractions.

Write your answer as a mixed number.

Example 8: subtracting mixed numbers with unlike denominators

Solve 2 \cfrac{8}{10}-1 \cfrac{2}{3}.

Create common denominators (bottom numbers).

Add or subtract the fractions, borrowing if needed.

Add or subtract the whole numbers.

Write your answer as a mixed number.

Teaching tips for adding and subtracting fractions

  • Fraction work in 3rd grade focuses on understanding through models, including area models and number lines. To continue this in 4th grade and 5th grade, always have digital or physical models available for students to use as a solving strategy.

  • When introducing this topic, pose a fraction addition or subtraction problem to students and let them solve it in a way that makes sense to them. Then, as a whole group, let students share the ways they solved the problem, allowing the class to see other ways to solve and make connections between strategies.

  • When starting this topic, stick to smaller fractions or problems that do not involve borrowing or regrouping. However, at some point students will need to get used to solving all kinds of fraction subtraction problems mixed together. This lets them learn to identify which solving strategies work best in different situations.

  • Fraction worksheets can be useful when students are developing understanding around addition and subtraction, but once students have a successful strategy and can flexibly operate, incorporate math games or real world projects that allow students to add fractions and subtract fractions in a variety of situations.

Our favorite mistakes

  • Adding or subtracting the denominators
    The denominator tells us how big the parts are. You keep the denominator (the size of the parts) the same and add or subtract the number of parts (numerators).
    For example,

    Adding And Subtracting Fractions Tips 1

  • Adding or subtracting without like denominators
    Fractions must have like denominators when being added or subtracted. Use equivalent fractions to create a common denominator before adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.
    For example,

    Adding And Subtracting Fractions Tips 2

  • Forgetting to multiply the numerator when creating an equivalent fraction
    To create a fraction with an equivalent value, both the numerator and the denominator need to be multiplied by the same number. Multiplying just one changes the value of the fraction.
    For example,

    Adding And Subtracting Fractions Tips 3

Practice adding and subtracting fractions questions

1. Solve \cfrac{5}{6}+\cfrac{2}{6}.

\cfrac{7}{12}
GCSE Quiz False

1 \cfrac{1}{6}
GCSE Quiz True

1 \cfrac{1}{12}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{3}{6}
GCSE Quiz False
\cfrac{5}{6}+\cfrac{2}{6}=

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 1

 

Since the denominators are the same, the parts are the same size. You add to see how many parts there are in total: 5 + 2 = 7.

 

There are 7 parts. But what size are the parts? They are still sixths, so the denominator stays the same.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 2

 

\cfrac{5}{6}+\cfrac{2}{6}=\cfrac{7}{6} or 1 \cfrac{1}{6}

2. Solve \cfrac{11}{12}-\cfrac{4}{12}.

\cfrac{7}{12}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{7}{0}
GCSE Quiz False

7
GCSE Quiz False

1 \cfrac{1}{12}
GCSE Quiz False

The equation is taking \cfrac{4}{12} away from \cfrac{11}{12}.

 

Since the denominators are the same, the parts are the same size. You subtract to see how many parts are left: 11-4=7.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 3

 

There are 7 parts. But what size are the parts? They are still twelfths, so the denominator stays the same.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 4

 

\cfrac{11}{12}-\cfrac{4}{12}=\cfrac{7}{12}

3. Solve 3 \cfrac{3}{8}+4 \cfrac{6}{8}.

8 \cfrac{1}{16}
GCSE Quiz False

7 \cfrac{1}{8}
GCSE Quiz False

7 \cfrac{9}{16}
GCSE Quiz False

8 \cfrac{1}{8}
GCSE Quiz True

First, add the whole numbers

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 5

 

3 + 4 = 7

 

Since the denominators are the same, the parts are the same size. You add to see how many parts there are in total: 3 + 6 = 9.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 6

 

There are 9 parts. But what size are the parts? They are still eighths, so the denominator stays the same.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 7

 

\cfrac{3}{8}+\cfrac{6}{8}=\cfrac{9}{8} or 1 \cfrac{1}{8}

 

Add the whole numbers and fraction together.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 8

 

7+1 \cfrac{1}{8}=8 \cfrac{1}{8}

4. Solve 3 \cfrac{4}{10}-1 \cfrac{9}{10}.

2 \cfrac{5}{10}
GCSE Quiz False

1 \cfrac{9}{10}
GCSE Quiz False

1 \cfrac{5}{10}
GCSE Quiz True

2 \cfrac{4}{10}
GCSE Quiz False

The equation is taking ​​1 \cfrac{9}{10} away from 3 \cfrac{4}{10}.

 

Start with the fractions. Since the denominators are the same, the parts are the same size. However, there are not enough parts to take 9 away from 4.

 

You can break one of the wholes into \cfrac{10}{10}…

 

3 \cfrac{4}{10}=2 \cfrac{14}{10}

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 9

 

Now you can solve 2 \cfrac{14}{10}-1 \cfrac{9}{10}.

 

You subtract to see how many parts are left: 14-9=5.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 10

 

There are 5 parts. But what size are the parts? They are still tenths, so the denominator stays the same.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 11

 

\cfrac{14}{10}-\cfrac{9}{10}=\cfrac{5}{10} or \cfrac{1}{2}

 

Subtract the whole numbers.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 12

 

2-1=1

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 13

 

2 \cfrac{14}{10}-1 \cfrac{9}{10}=1 \cfrac{5}{10}

 

You can also write this answer as the equivalent mixed number 1 \cfrac{1}{2}.

5. Solve \cfrac{3}{4}+\cfrac{2}{5}.

1 \cfrac{3}{20}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{5}{9}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{5}{20}
GCSE Quiz False

1\cfrac{8}{20}
GCSE Quiz False
\cfrac{3}{4}+\cfrac{2}{5}=

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 14

 

Since \cfrac{3}{4} and \cfrac{2}{5} do not have like denominators, the parts are NOT the same size.

 

Use equivalent fractions to create a common denominator. Multiply each fraction by the opposite denominator.

 

\cfrac{3}{4}=\cfrac{3 \; \times \; 5}{4 \; \times \; 5}=\cfrac{15}{20} \quad and \quad \cfrac{2}{5}=\cfrac{2 \; \times \; 4}{5 \; \times \; 4}=\cfrac{8}{20}

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 15

 

Since the denominators are the same, the parts are the same size. You add to see how many parts there are in total: 15 + 8 = 23.

 

There are 23 parts. But what size are the parts? They are still twentieths, so the denominator stays the same.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 16

 

\cfrac{15}{20}+\cfrac{8}{20}=\cfrac{23}{20} or 1 \cfrac{3}{20}

6. Solve \cfrac{2}{5}-\cfrac{1}{3}.

\cfrac{1}{2}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{1}{15}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{3}{15}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{1}{0}
GCSE Quiz False

Since \cfrac{2}{5} and \cfrac{1}{3} do not have like denominators, the parts are NOT the same size.

 

Multiply the numerator and denominator by the opposite denominator to create equivalent fractions with common denominators.

 

\cfrac{2 \; \times \; 3}{5 \; \times \; 3}=\cfrac{6}{15} \quad and \quad \cfrac{1 \; \times \; 5}{3 \; \times \; 5}=\cfrac{5}{15}

 

Now use the equivalent fractions to solve: \cfrac{6}{15}-\cfrac{6}{15}.

 

Since the denominators are the same, the parts are the same size. You subtract to see how many parts are left: 6-5=1.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 17

 

There are 1 part. But what size is the part? It is still a fifteenth, so the denominator stays the same.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 18

 

\cfrac{6}{15}-\cfrac{5}{15}=\cfrac{1}{15}

7. Solve 1 \cfrac{4}{6}+4 \cfrac{7}{12}.

5 \cfrac{11}{18}
GCSE Quiz False

6 \cfrac{1}{18}
GCSE Quiz False

5 \cfrac{11}{12}
GCSE Quiz False

6 \cfrac{3}{12}
GCSE Quiz True

First, add the whole numbers.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 19

 

1 + 4 = 5
Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 20

 

Since \cfrac{4}{6} and \cfrac{7}{12} do not have like denominators, the parts are NOT the same size. A common denominator of 12 can be used.

 

Multiply the numerator and denominator of \cfrac{4}{6} by 2 to create an equivalent fraction.

 

\cfrac{4}{6}=\cfrac{4 \; \times \; 2}{6 \; \times \; 2}=\cfrac{8}{12} \quad and \quad \cfrac{7}{12}

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 21

 

Since the denominators are the same, the parts are the same size. You add to see how many parts there are in total: 8 + 7 = 15.

 

You have 15 parts. But what size are the parts? They are still twelfths, so the denominator stays the same.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 22

 

\cfrac{8}{12}+\cfrac{7}{12}=\cfrac{15}{12} or 1 \cfrac{3}{12}

 

Add the whole numbers and fraction together.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 23

 

5+1 \cfrac{3}{12}=6 \cfrac{3}{12}

 

You can also write this answer as the equivalent mixed number 6 \cfrac{1}{4}.

8. Solve 4 \cfrac{5}{8}-3 \cfrac{2}{3}.

1\cfrac{3}{5}
GCSE Quiz False

1\cfrac{5}{24}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{7}{24}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{23}{24}
GCSE Quiz True

The equation is taking 3\cfrac{2}{3} away from 4\cfrac{5}{8}.

 

Start with the fractions. Since \cfrac{5}{8} and \cfrac{2}{3} do not have like denominators, the parts are NOT the same size. Use equivalent fractions to create a common denominator.

 

Multiplying the numerator and denominator by the opposite denominator will create common denominators.

 

\cfrac{5 \; \times \; 3}{8 \; \times \; 3}=\cfrac{15}{24} \quad and \quad \cfrac{2 \; \times \; 8}{3 \; \times \; 8}=\cfrac{16}{24}

 

Now use the equivalent fraction to solve: 4 \cfrac{15}{24}-3 \cfrac{16}{24}.

 

Start with the fractions. Since the denominators are the same, the parts are the same size. However, there are not enough parts to take 16 away from 15.

 

You can break one of the wholes into \cfrac{24}{24}…

 

4 \cfrac{15}{24}=3 \cfrac{39}{24}

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 24

 

Now you can solve 3 \cfrac{39}{24}-3 \cfrac{16}{24}.

 

You subtract to see how many parts are left: 39-16 = 23.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 25

 

There are 23 parts left. But what size are the parts? They are still twenty-fourths, so the denominator stays the same.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 26

 

\cfrac{39}{24}-\cfrac{16}{24}=\cfrac{23}{24}

 

Subtract the whole numbers.

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 27

 

3-3=0

 

Adding And Subtracting Fractions Practice 28

 

3 \cfrac{39}{24}-3 \cfrac{16}{24}=\cfrac{23}{24}

Adding and subtracting fractions FAQs

Does multiplying or dividing by a common factor change the size of the fraction?

No, although after multiplying or dividing the numerator and the denominator are new numbers, the value of the fraction remains the same. If the new fraction has a larger denominator, the parts will be smaller, so the numerator also needs to be larger so that the proportion of the parts is the same as the original fraction. If the new fraction has a smaller denominator, the parts will be larger, so the numerator also needs to be smaller so that the proportion of the parts is the same as the original fraction.

Do the fraction sums and differences have to be in lowest terms?

No, students do not have to find the least common denominator in order to correctly answer a fraction addition or subtraction question. However, as students progress in their understanding of fractions, you can encourage students to utilize this skill. Also be mindful of standard expectations, as they may vary from state to state.

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