How it works
Pieces must be the same size to add or take away.
Cut both fractions to match, then work with the tops.
5/8 − 1/4: 1/4 is 2/8, so 5/8 − 2/8 = 3/8.
Worked examples
Take away
- 5/8 − 1/4 = ?
- 1/4 is the same as 2/8.
- 5/8 − 2/8 = 3/8.
- So the answer is 3/8.
Mixed numbers
- 1 1/3 + 2 1/2 = ?
- 1/3 is 2/6 and 1/2 is 3/6.
- Wholes: 1 + 2 = 3. Parts: 2/6 + 3/6 = 5/6.
- So the answer is 3 5/6.
A bigger bottom
- 3 3/4 + 2 1/6 = ?
- 3/4 is 9/12 and 1/6 is 2/12.
- Wholes: 3 + 2 = 5. Parts: 9/12 + 2/12 = 11/12.
- So the answer is 5 11/12.
A taste of the worksheet
These are the first problems of set A. The printable sheet has many more, with an answer key.
- 3/10 + 1/2 = __
- 7/10 + 1/5 = __
- 1/6 + 2/3 = __
- 1/2 + 1/4 = __
- 7/8 − 1/4 = __
Words to know
- common denominator
- A bottom number both fractions share.
- equivalent
- A fraction that is the same size.