Adding and Subtracting Fractions | How to Add and Subtract Fractions Step by Step
From Math with Mr. J
11 min4th5thMath
Summary
How to add and subtract fractions with like denominators -- combining or taking away parts that are the same size. Mr. J keeps the denominator and works with the numerators.
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All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
When the parts are the same size, you add or subtract the numerators and keep the denominator.
- Why does the denominator stay the same when denominators are alike?
- What do you do with the numerators?
- How can a picture show 1/5 + 2/5?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: numerator, denominator, like denominators
- Solve 3/8 + 2/8.
- Solve 5/6 - 1/6 and draw a picture to check.

