Year 7 - Maths
Checking understanding of addition and subtraction with fractions
Arithmetic procedures with 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
This unit revisits and secures fraction operations and extends pupil understanding to division of whole numbers by fractions and division of fractions by fractions.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use the mathematical structures that underpin the addition and subtraction of fractions.
Key Notes
- The denominators of each fraction should split the whole into the same number of equal pieces.
- The numerators are added or subtracted.
- The size of each piece has not changed so the denominator does not change.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Numerator: The expression in a fraction that is written above the fraction line. It is the dividend.
- Denominator: The expression in a fraction that is written below the fraction line. It is the divisor.
- Proper fraction: A proper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is less than the denominator.
- LCM: LCM is an abbreviation for lowest common multiple.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Simply adding or subtracting the numerators and denominators.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
The denominators of each fraction should split the whole into the same number of equal pieces. The numerators are added or subtracted.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Numerator'
The expression in a fraction that is written above the fraction line. It is the dividend. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Simply adding or subtracting the numerators and denominators. Correction: Emphasise that the denominator tells us the name of the unit. In order to add or subtract things they must have a common name.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Checking and securing dividing a fraction by a whole number Study Guide
- Checking understanding of multiplication with fractions Study Guide
- Deepening understanding of multiplication with fractions Study Guide
- Dividing a fraction by a fraction Study Guide
- Dividing a whole number by a fraction Study Guide
- Priority of operations with positive and negative integers, decimals and fractions Study Guide
- Problem solving with arithmetic procedures involving fractions Study Guide
- Securing understanding of addition and subtraction with fractions Study Guide
- Securing understanding of multiplication with fractions Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Maths guide library.