Virginia SOL Math / Grade 4 / Computation & Estimation
Add & Subtract Fractions
What you'll learn
- Add and subtract fractions with like denominators of 12 or less
- Add and subtract mixed numbers with like denominators
- Multiply a whole number by a unit fraction
Words to know
- Like denominators —
- denominators that are the same
- Unit fraction —
- a fraction with 1 on top, like 1/6
- Mixed number —
- a whole number and a fraction, like 3 1/4
- Sum —
- the answer to an addition problem
- Difference —
- the answer to a subtraction problem
Why it matters Adding and subtracting fractions helps us combine or take away parts, such as measuring ingredients or tracking distance.
Worked examples
Model ItI do
Find 3/8 + 2/8.
The denominators are the same, so add only the numerators: 3 + 2 = 5. Keep the denominator 8. So 3/8 + 2/8 = 5/8.
Try It TogetherWe do
Find 4 x 1/5.
Multiplying a whole number by a unit fraction means adding it that many times: 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5 = 4/5. So 4 x 1/5 = 4/5.
Now YouYou do
Find 5/6 - 2/6.
Subtract the numerators and keep the same denominator. Check your answer in the back.
Practice
Mastered 0 of 11
Warm-up
Ease in with the basics.
1.Find 1/5 + 2/5.
2.Find 4/6 - 1/6.
3.Find 2 x 1/3.
On Level
The core Quick Check from the book.
1.Find 2/7 + 3/7.
2.Find 7/10 - 4/10.
3.Find 3 x 1/4.
4.Find 1 2/5 + 1/5.
5.Find 5/6 + 5/6.
Challenge
Stretch your thinking.
1.Find 5/8 + 7/8.
2.Find 3 1/6 - 1 4/6.
3.Find 5 x 1/4 and write the answer as a mixed number.