Adding and Subtracting Fractions- Change fractions so they have the same denominator.
- Add or subtract numerators only, keep the denominator the same.
- Simplify (reduce to lowest terms).
Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers- Change fractions so they have the same denominator.
- Solve the fraction part of the problem first. You may need to "borrow" or "carry" whole numbers so the fractions work.
- Then add or subtract the whole numbers.
- Simplify (reduce to lowest terms).
Because you asked for it... How to multiply fractions and mixed numbers:
- If there are mixed numbers, change them to improper fractions.
- (Optional) You can reduce the fractions on the diagonal if you want to.
- Multiply numerator times numerator, denominator times denominator.
- Simplify (reduce to lowest terms).
You asked for it, here it is! These are the steps for dividing fractions & mixed numbers.
1. Make all numbers fractions. If you have mixed numbers, change them to improper fractions (denominator * whole number + numerator).
2. Flip the second fraction.
3. Change the operation to multiplication.
4. Multiply numerators by numerators and denominators by denominators.
5. Simplify the fraction.
Good luck!
The students have been working on fractions & mixed numbers for the last couple weeks. They took the assessment on how to read, order, use, represent, and simplify fractions & mixed numbers before the Thanksgiving break. Now they are learning how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions & mixed numbers. We've been adding and subtracting fractions this week. Next week we'll work on adding and subtracting mixed numbers. These can be tough for some students because there are multiple steps to solving some problems. I will be staying after school next Thursday to help any student who wants some extra practice or help. The following week we will learn how to multiply and divide. I was hoping to finish fractions before winter break but we may need to continue work with them when we get back. I want to make sure the students have enough practice with word problems too. Time will tell.
