Year 6 - Maths
Explain with and without an image how to add and subtract related non-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 with and without an image how to add and subtract related non-unit fractions.
Key Notes
- You can use knowledge of common multiples to convert fractions to an equivalent with a common denominator.
- In equivalent fractions, the numerators and denominators have been scaled up or down by the same factor.
- Fractions need to have the same denominator if you are to add and subtract them.
- When adding or subtracting fractions with the same denominators you just add or subtract the numerators,
Vocabulary To Learn
- Common denominator: When two or more fractions share the same denominator, you can say they have a common denominator.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils add or subtract the numerators and denominators from eachother to find the solution.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
You can use knowledge of common multiples to convert fractions to an equivalent with a common denominator. In equivalent fractions, the numerators and denominators have been scaled up or down by the same factor.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Common denominator'
When two or more fractions share the same denominator, you can say they have a common denominator. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils add or subtract the numerators and denominators from eachother to find the solution. Correction: Ensure pupils don't move to abstract equations straight away until they are secure with how addition and subtraction of non-unit fractions can be represented pictorially. You can use unitised language: ___ fifths plus ___ fifths = ___ fifths.
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 subtract related unit fractions Study Guide
- Explain how to write a fraction in its simplest form 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.