Year 6 · Maths · Fractions · Lesson 3
Adding and subtracting fractions
Add and subtract fractions with the same and different denominators, using common denominators, and solve word problems.
29-minute video lesson
Teaching, worked examples and 20 practice questions solved step by step.
Watch free for a monthWhat your child will learn
- Add and subtract with the same denominator
- Find a common denominator
- Add and subtract with different denominators
- Simplify answers
- Solve word problems
The method
- Common denominator?
- Convert both fractions.
- Add or subtract numerators only.
- Simplify.
Key words: common denominator, add, subtract, equivalent, simplify.
Worked examples
The first three practice questions from the lesson, with every step.
Question 1
Work out 2/9 + 4/9.
- Step 1: 2/9 + 4/9 = 6/9
- Step 2: 6/9 = 2/3 (÷ 3)
Answer: 2/3
Question 2
Work out 7/8 − 3/8.
- Step 1: 7/8 − 3/8 = 4/8
- Step 2: 4/8 = 1/2 (÷ 4)
Answer: 1/2
Question 3
Work out 1/3 + 1/6.
- Step 1: Common denominator 6: 1/3 = 2/6
- Step 2: 2/6 + 1/6 = 3/6
- Step 3: 3/6 = 1/2 (÷ 3)
Answer: 1/2