Year 6 - Maths
Explain how to subtract related unit fractions
Addition and subtraction of fractions
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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 explain how to write a fraction in its simplest form when solving addition and subtraction problems.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how to subtract related unit fractions.
Key Notes
- Fractions need to have the same denominator if you are to subtract them.
- Common multiples help you to convert a fraction to a common denominator.
- The language of unitising helps you to subtract fractions with the same denominators.
- When subtracting fractions with the same denominators you just subtract the numerators.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Related fractions: When the denominator of one fraction is a multiple of the denominator of another fraction, we can say these fractions are related fractions.
- Common denominator: When two or more fractions share the same denominator, you can say they have a common denominator.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils try to subtract the numerators and the denominators from one another for each fraction.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Fractions need to have the same denominator if you are to subtract them. Common multiples help you to convert a fraction to a common denominator.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Related fractions'
When the denominator of one fraction is a multiple of the denominator of another fraction, we can say these fractions are related fractions. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils try to subtract the numerators and the denominators from one another for each fraction. Correction: Represent each fraction using a model that draws out the equivalence of the fractions and the need for the same counting unit (denominator). Revisit previous analogies regarding sharing a common counting unit such as animals for cats and dogs.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Add and subtract non-related fractions with different denominators Study Guide
- Explain how to add related unit fractions with a representation or image Study Guide
- Explain how to add related unit fractions without a representation or image Study Guide
- Explain how to write a fraction in its simplest form Study Guide
- Explain with and without an image how to add and subtract related non-unit fractions Study Guide
- Explain with and without images how to add and subtract related non-unit fractions bridging a whole Study Guide
- Reason about how to write a fraction in its simplest form Study Guide
- Use knowledge of adding and subtracting related unit fractions to solve problems Study Guide
- Use knowledge of fractions in their simplest form when solving addition and subtraction problems Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 6 Maths guide library.