Year 4 - Maths
Subtract a proper fraction from a mixed number crossing the whole
Efficient strategies for adding and subtracting mixed numbers (crossing a whole)
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will add mixed numbers. They will subtract a proper fraction from a mixed number and subtract a mixed number from a mixed number explaining which strategy is most efficient.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to subtract a proper fraction from a mixed number crossing the whole.
Key Notes
- Rods or number lines can be used to support subtracting fractions from whole or mixed numbers.
- Mixed numbers can be expressed as improper fractions to aid subtraction.
- If an answer to a calculation is an improper fraction, this should be expressed as a mixed number.
- Improper fractions can be subtracted in the same way as proper fractions.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Mixed number: A mixed number is a whole number and a fraction combined.
- Improper fraction: An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children may not understand that a one can be exchanged from a whole and the fraction rewritten. E.g. four can be rewritten as three and five-fifths to add subtraction of an amount of fifths.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Rods or number lines can be used to support subtracting fractions from whole or mixed numbers. Mixed numbers can be expressed as improper fractions to aid subtraction.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Mixed number'
A mixed number is a whole number and a fraction combined. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Children may not understand that a one can be exchanged from a whole and the fraction rewritten. E.g. four can be rewritten as three and five-fifths to add subtraction of an amount of fifths. Correction: Use of rods or drawings will support children to understand this exchange. Four is the same as three and one; one is the same as five fifths so four is the same and three and five fifths.
More Lessons In This Unit
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