5.NF.1: Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Visual Models for Adding and Subtracting Fractions

1. Fraction Strips

Create or print fraction strips divided into different denominators (halves, thirds, fourths, etc.). Use these to visually show equivalent fractions and addition/subtraction. For 2/3 + 1/4, use strips to find equivalent fractions with denominator 12, then add 8/12 + 3/12 = 11/12.

2. Number Lines

Draw number lines marked with fractions to show addition and subtraction. For 5/6 - 1/3, mark both fractions on a number line divided into sixths (5/6 and 2/6), then count the distance between them (3/6 or 1/2).

3. Area Models

Use rectangles divided into equal parts to represent fractions. For 2/3 + 1/4, divide one rectangle into thirds and another into fourths. Then redraw both using twelfths to show the addition.

4. Fraction Circles

Use fraction circle pieces to physically model addition and subtraction. This helps students see why common denominators are necessary and how equivalent fractions work.

Everyday Activities

1. Cooking with Fractions

When cooking, have your child help combine or adjust fractional measurements. "This recipe calls for 2/3 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of sugar. How much dry ingredient is that in total?" or "We need to make 1 1/2 times this recipe. How much of each ingredient do we need?"

2. Fraction Scavenger Hunt

Look for fractions in real life (on measuring cups, in recipes, on packaging). Create addition and subtraction problems using the fractions you find. This helps children see the relevance of fraction operations in everyday life.

3. Fraction Card Games

Create a deck of fraction cards. Play games like "Fraction War" (highest fraction wins) or "Make a Whole" (find pairs of fractions that add up to 1). These games make fraction practice fun and engaging.

4. Fraction Art Project

Create a design using different fractional parts of shapes. For example, color 2/3 of a square red, 1/4 of a circle blue, etc. Then calculate what fraction of the entire design is each color. This combines creativity with fraction practice.

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Common Denominator Strategy

Teach your child to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. For 2/3 + 1/4, the LCM of 3 and 4 is 12. Convert to 8/12 + 3/12 = 11/12. This is the most efficient approach for finding common denominators.

2. Multiplication Shortcut

If finding the LCM is difficult, simply multiply the denominators. For 2/3 + 1/4, multiply 3 × 4 = 12. This always works, though it may require simplifying the answer. It's a reliable fallback strategy.

3. Mixed Number Conversion

For mixed numbers, convert to improper fractions first, then add or subtract. For 2 1/2 + 1 3/4, convert to 5/2 + 7/4, then find common denominators. This approach simplifies the process for mixed numbers.

4. Simplify Last

Remind your child to simplify fractions only at the end, after adding or subtracting. Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator to simplify. This prevents errors in the calculation process.

5. Same Denominator Check

Create a simple checklist: 1) Find common denominator, 2) Convert to equivalent fractions, 3) Add/subtract numerators only, 4) Simplify if needed. This step-by-step approach helps prevent skipping important steps.

5-Minute Activities

Activity 1: Equivalent Fraction Race

Give your child a fraction and ask them to write as many equivalent fractions as they can in one minute. This builds fluency with creating equivalent fractions, which is essential for adding and subtracting.

Activity 2: Common Denominator Hunt

Give your child pairs of fractions and ask them to find the least common denominator for each pair. Time them to make it fun and track improvement. This focuses on a key skill needed for fraction operations.

Activity 3: Fraction War

Play with fraction cards. Each player draws two cards to create a fraction. Players add their fractions, and the highest sum wins the round. This game-based practice makes learning more engaging.

Activity 4: Error Hunt

Show your child a fraction addition or subtraction problem with an intentional error. Ask them to find and fix the mistake. This develops critical thinking and reinforces proper procedures.

Mid-Year Expectations

By the middle of 5th grade, your child should be able to:

• Find common denominators for pairs of fractions
• Create equivalent fractions with specified denominators
• Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
• Explain the process of finding common denominators

End-of-Year Expectations

By the end of 5th grade, your child should be able to:

• Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators fluently
• Add and subtract mixed numbers with unlike denominators
• Simplify fraction answers to lowest terms
• Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions

Mastery Signs

Your child has mastered this standard when they can consistently:

• Find common denominators for pairs of fractions
• Create equivalent fractions with specified denominators
• Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
• Add and subtract mixed numbers with unlike denominators
• Simplify fraction answers to lowest terms
• Apply these skills to solve real-world problems

Questions to Ask:

Ask your child to solve these problems and explain their process:

• 2/3 + 1/4 = ?
• 5/6 - 1/3 = ?
• 2 1/2 + 1 3/4 = ?

Ask them to explain why we need to find a common denominator before adding or subtracting fractions.

Below Grade Level

Practice problems focusing on adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators and simple unlike denominators with visual supports.

📥 Download Practice Worksheet

At Grade Level

Standard practice with adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators.

📥 Download Grade Level Worksheet

Above Grade Level

Advanced problems involving multi-step fraction operations and real-world applications with unlike denominators.

📥 Download Challenge Worksheet