Year 6 - Maths
Use knowledge of adding and subtracting related unit fractions to solve problems
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 use knowledge of adding and subtracting related unit fractions to solve problems.
Key Notes
- When adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominators you just add or subtract the numerators.
- Common multiples help you to convert a fraction to a common denominator.
- The language of unitising helps you to add and subtract fractions with the same denominators.
- When adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominators you just add 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 compare expressions by only ever calculating the value of each expression before comparing.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
When adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominators you just add or subtract the numerators. 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 compare expressions by only ever calculating the value of each expression before comparing. Correction: Encourage pupils to consider the magnitude of the fractions they are adding or subtracting. Comparing fractions to one-half is an effective way to help identify their magnitude and whether then expression would be larger or smaller.
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 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 fractions in their simplest form when solving addition and subtraction problems Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 6 Maths guide library.