unit fraction operations homework 2 adding and subtracting fractions

Fractions Worksheets

Welcome to the fractions worksheets page at Math-Drills.com where the cup is half full! This is one of our more popular pages most likely because learning fractions is incredibly important in a person's life and it is a math topic that many approach with trepidation due to its bad rap over the years. Fractions really aren't that difficult to master especially with the support of our wide selection of worksheets.

This page includes Fractions worksheets for understanding fractions including modeling, comparing, ordering, simplifying and converting fractions and operations with fractions. We start you off with the obvious: modeling fractions. It is a great idea if students can actually understand what a fraction is, so please do spend some time with the modeling aspect. Relating modeling to real life helps a great deal too as it is much easier to relate to half a cookie than to half a square. Ask most students what you get if you add half a cookie and another half a cookie, and they'll probably let you know that it makes one delicious snack.

The other fractions worksheets on this page are devoted to helping students understand the concept of fractions. From comparing and ordering to simplifying and converting... by the time students master the material on this page, operations of fractions will be a walk in the park.

Most Popular Fractions Worksheets this Week

Fraction Circles

Fraction circle manipulatives are mainly used for comparing fractions, but they can be used for a variety of other purposes such as representing and identifying fractions, adding and subtracting fractions, and as probability spinners. There are a variety of options depending on your purpose. Fraction circles come in small and large versions, labeled and unlabeled versions and in three different color schemes: black and white, color, and light gray. The color scheme matches the fraction strips and use colors that are meant to show good contrast among themselves. Do note that there is a significant prevalence of color-blindness in the population, so don't rely on all students being able to differentiate the colors.

Suggested activity for comparing fractions: Photocopy the black and white version onto an overhead projection slide and another copy onto a piece of paper. Alternatively, you can use two pieces of paper and hold them up to the light for this activity. Use a pencil to represent the first fraction on the paper copy. Use a non-permanent overhead pen to represent the second fraction. Lay the slide over the paper and compare the two circles. You should easily be able to tell which is greater or lesser or if the two fractions are equal. Re-use both sheets by erasing the pencil and washing off the marker.

Adding fractions with fraction circles will involve two copies on paper. Cut out the fraction circles and segments of one copy and leave the other copy intact. To add 1/3 + 1/2, for example, place a 1/3 segment and a 1/2 segment into a circle and hold it over various fractions on the intact copy to see what 1/2 + 1/3 is equivalent to. 5/6 or 10/12 should work.

• Small Fraction Circles Small Fraction Circles in Black and White with Labels Small Fraction Circles in Color with Labels Small Fraction Circles in Light Gray with Labels Small Fraction Circles in Black and White Unlabeled Small Fraction Circles in Color Unlabeled Small Fraction Circles in Light Gray Unlabeled
• Large Fraction Circles Large Fraction Circles in Black and White with Labels Large Fraction Circles in Color with Labels Large Fraction Circles in Light Gray with Labels Large Fraction Circles in Black and White Unlabeled Large Fraction Circles in Color Unlabeled Large Fraction Circles in Light Gray Unlabeled

Fraction Strips

Fractions strips are often used for comparing fractions. Students are able to see quite easily the relationships and equivalence between fractions with different denominators. It can be quite useful for students to have two copies: one copy cut into strips and the other copy kept intact. They can then use the cut-out strips on the intact page to individually compare fractions. For example, they can use the halves strip to see what other fractions are equivalent to one-half. This can also be accomplished with a straight edge such as a ruler without cutting out any strips. Pairs or groups of strips can also be compared side-by-side if they are cut out. Addition and subtraction (etc.) are also possibilities; for example, adding a one-quarter and one-third can be accomplished by shifting the thirds strip so that it starts at the end of one-quarter then finding a strip that matches the end of the one-third mark (7/12 should do it).

Teachers might consider copying the fraction strips onto overhead projection acetates for whole class or group activities. Acetate versions are also useful as a hands-on manipulative for students in conjunction with an uncut page.

The "Smart" Fraction Strips include strips in a more useful order, eliminate the 7ths and 11ths strips as they don't have any equivalents and include 15ths and 16ths. The colors are consistent with the classic versions, so the two sets can be combined.

• Classic Fraction Strips with Labels Classic Fraction Strips in Black and White With Labels Classic Fraction Strips in Color With Labels Classic Fraction Strips in Gray With Labels
• Unlabeled Classic Fraction Strips Classic Fraction Strips in Black and White Unlabeled Classic Fraction Strips in Color Unlabeled Classic Fraction Strips in Gray Unlabeled
• Smart Fraction Strips with Labels Smart Fraction Strips in Black and White With Labels Smart Fraction Strips in Color With Labels Smart Fraction Strips in Gray With Labels

Modeling fractions

Fractions can represent parts of a group or parts of a whole. In these worksheets, fractions are modeled as parts of a group. Besides using the worksheets in this section, you can also try some more interesting ways of modeling fractions. Healthy snacks can make great models for fractions. Can you cut a cucumber into thirds? A tomato into quarters? Can you make two-thirds of the grapes red and one-third green?

• Modeling Fractions with Groups of Shapes Coloring Groups of Shapes to Represent Fractions Identifying Fractions from Colored Groups of Shapes (Only Simplified Fractions up to Eighths) Identifying Fractions from Colored Groups of Shapes (Halves Only) Identifying Fractions from Colored Groups of Shapes (Halves and Thirds) Identifying Fractions from Colored Groups of Shapes (Halves, Thirds and Fourths) Identifying Fractions from Colored Groups of Shapes (Up to Fifths) Identifying Fractions from Colored Groups of Shapes (Up to Sixths) Identifying Fractions from Colored Groups of Shapes (Up to Eighths) Identifying Fractions from Colored Groups of Shapes (OLD Version; Print Too Light)
• Modeling Fractions with Rectangles Modeling Halves Modeling Thirds Modeling Halves and Thirds Modeling Fourths (Color Version) Modeling Fourths (Grey Version) Coloring Fourths Models Modeling Fifths Coloring Fifths Models Modeling Sixths Coloring Sixths Models
• Modeling Fractions with Circles Modeling Halves, Thirds and Fourths Coloring Halves, Thirds and Fourths Modeling Halves, Thirds, Fourths, and Fifths Coloring Halves, Thirds, Fourths, and Fifths Modeling Halves to Sixths Coloring Halves to Sixths Modeling Halves to Eighths Coloring Halves to Eighths Modeling Halves to Twelfths Coloring Halves to Twelfths

Ratio and Proportion Worksheets

The equivalent fractions models worksheets include only the "baking fractions" in the A versions. To see more difficult and varied fractions, please choose the B to J versions after loading the A version. More picture ratios can be found on holiday and seasonal pages. Try searching for picture ratios to find more.

• Picture Ratios Autumn Trees Part-to-Part Picture Ratios ( Grouped ) Autumn Trees Part-to-Part and Part-to-Whole Picture Ratios ( Grouped )
• Equivalent Fractions Equivalent Fractions With Blanks ( Multiply Right ) ✎ Equivalent Fractions With Blanks ( Divide Left ) ✎ Equivalent Fractions With Blanks ( Multiply Right or Divide Left ) ✎ Equivalent Fractions With Blanks ( Divide Right ) ✎ Equivalent Fractions With Blanks ( Multiply Left ) ✎ Equivalent Fractions With Blanks ( Multiply Left or Divide Right ) ✎ Equivalent Fractions With Blanks ( Multiply or Divide Right ) ✎ Equivalent Fractions With Blanks ( Multiply or Divide Left ) ✎ Equivalent Fractions With Blanks ( Multiply or Divide in Either Direction ) ✎ Are These Fractions Equivalent? (Multiplier 2 to 5) Are These Fractions Equivalent? (Multiplier 5 to 15) Equivalent Fractions Models Equivalent Fractions Models with the Simplified Fraction First Equivalent Fractions Models with the Simplified Fraction Second
• Equivalent Ratios Equivalent Ratios with Blanks Only on Right Equivalent Ratios with Blanks Anywhere Equivalent Ratios with x 's

Comparing and Ordering Fractions

Comparing fractions involves deciding which of two fractions is greater in value or if the two fractions are equal in value. There are generally four methods that can be used for comparing fractions. First is to use common denominators . If both fractions have the same denominator, comparing the fractions simply involves comparing the numerators. Equivalent fractions can be used to convert one or both fractions, so they have common denominators. A second method is to convert both fractions to a decimal and compare the decimal numbers. Visualization is the third method. Using something like fraction strips , two fractions can be compared with a visual tool. The fourth method is to use a cross-multiplication strategy where the numerator of the first fraction is multiplied by the denominator of the second fraction; then the numerator of the second fraction is multiplied by the denominator of the first fraction. The resulting products can be compared to decide which fraction is greater (or if they are equal).

• Comparing Proper Fractions Comparing Proper Fractions to Sixths ✎ Comparing Proper Fractions to Ninths (No Sevenths) ✎ Comparing Proper Fractions to Ninths ✎ Comparing Proper Fractions to Twelfths (No Sevenths; No Elevenths) ✎ Comparing Proper Fractions to Twelfths ✎

The worksheets in this section also include improper fractions. This might make the task of comparing even easier for some questions that involve both a proper and an improper fraction. If students recognize one fraction is greater than one and the other fraction is less than one, the greater fraction will be obvious.

• Comparing Proper and Improper Fractions Comparing Proper and Improper Fractions to Sixths ✎ Comparing Proper and Improper Fractions to Ninths (No Sevenths) ✎ Comparing Proper and Improper Fractions to Ninths ✎ Comparing Proper and Improper Fractions to Twelfths (No Sevenths; No Elevenths) ✎ Comparing Proper and Improper Fractions to Twelfths ✎ Comparing Improper Fractions to Sixths ✎ Comparing Improper Fractions to Ninths (No Sevenths) ✎ Comparing Improper Fractions to Ninths ✎ Comparing Improper Fractions to Twelfths (No Sevenths; No Elevenths) ✎ Comparing Improper Fractions to Twelfths ✎

This section additionally includes mixed fractions. When comparing mixed and improper fractions, it is useful to convert one of the fractions to the other's form either in writing or mentally. Converting to a mixed fraction is probably the better route since the first step is to compare the whole number portions, and if one is greater than the other, the proper fraction portion can be ignored. If the whole number portions are equal, the proper fractions must be compared to see which number is greater.

• Comparing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions Comparing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions to Sixths ✎ Comparing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions to Ninths (No Sevenths) ✎ Comparing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions to Ninths ✎ Comparing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions to Twelfths (No Sevenths; No Elevenths) ✎ Comparing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions to Twelfths ✎
• Comparing Improper and Mixed Fractions Comparing Improper and Mixed Fractions to Sixths ✎ Comparing Improper and Mixed Fractions to Ninths (No Sevenths) ✎ Comparing Improper and Mixed Fractions to Ninths ✎ Comparing Improper and Mixed Fractions to Twelfths (No Sevenths; No Elevenths) ✎ Comparing Improper and Mixed Fractions to Twelfths ✎
• Comparing Mixed Fractions Comparing Mixed Fractions to Sixths ✎ Comparing Mixed Fractions to Ninths (No Sevenths) ✎ Comparing Mixed Fractions to Ninths ✎ Comparing Mixed Fractions to Twelfths (No Sevenths; No Elevenths) ✎ Comparing Mixed Fractions to Twelfths ✎

Many of the same strategies that work for comparing fractions also work for ordering fractions. Using manipulatives such as fraction strips, using number lines, or finding decimal equivalents will all have your student(s) putting fractions in the correct order in no time. We've probably said this before, but make sure that you emphasize that when comparing or ordering fractions, students understand that the whole needs to be the same. Comparing half the population of Canada with a third of the population of the United States won't cut it. Try using some visuals to reinforce this important concept. Even though we've included number lines below, feel free to use your own strategies.

• Ordering Fractions with Easy Denominators on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with Easy Denominators to 10 on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with Easy Denominators to 24 on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with Easy Denominators to 60 on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with Easy Denominators to 100 on a Number Line
• Ordering Fractions with Easy Denominators on a Number Line (Including Negative Fractions) Ordering Fractions with Easy Denominators to 10 + Negatives on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with Easy Denominators to 24 + Negatives on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with Easy Denominators to 60 + Negatives on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with Easy Denominators to 100 + Negatives on a Number Line
• Ordering Fractions with All Denominators on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with All Denominators to 10 on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with All Denominators to 24 on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with All Denominators to 60 on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with All Denominators to 100 on a Number Line
• Ordering Fractions with All Denominators on a Number Line (Including Negative Fractions) Ordering Fractions with All Denominators to 10 + Negatives on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with All Denominators to 24 + Negatives on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with All Denominators to 60 + Negatives on a Number Line Ordering Fractions with All Denominators to 100 + Negatives on a Number Line

The ordering fractions worksheets in this section do not include a number line, to allow for students to use various sorting strategies.

• Ordering Positive Fractions Ordering Positive Fractions with Like Denominators Ordering Positive Fractions with Like Numerators Ordering Positive Fractions with Like Numerators or Denominators Ordering Positive Fractions with Proper Fractions Only Ordering Positive Fractions with Improper Fractions Ordering Positive Fractions with Mixed Fractions Ordering Positive Fractions with Improper and Mixed Fractions
• Ordering Positive and Negative Fractions Ordering Positive and Negative Fractions with Like Denominators Ordering Positive and Negative Fractions with Like Numerators Ordering Positive and Negative Fractions with Like Numerators or Denominators Ordering Positive and Negative Fractions with Proper Fractions Only Ordering Positive and Negative Fractions with Improper Fractions Ordering Positive and Negative Fractions with Mixed Fractions Ordering Positive and Negative Fractions with Improper and Mixed Fractions

Simplifying & Converting Fractions Worksheets

Rounding fractions helps students to understand fractions a little better and can be applied to estimating answers to fractions questions. For example, if one had to estimate 1 4/7 × 6, they could probably say the answer was about 9 since 1 4/7 is about 1 1/2 and 1 1/2 × 6 is 9.

• Rounding Fractions with Helper Lines Rounding Fractions to the Nearest Whole with Helper Lines Rounding Mixed Numbers to the Nearest Whole with Helper Lines Rounding Fractions to the Nearest Half with Helper Lines Rounding Mixed Numbers to the Nearest Half with Helper Lines
• Rounding Fractions Rounding Fractions to the Nearest Whole Rounding Mixed Numbers to the Nearest Whole Rounding Fractions to the Nearest Half Rounding Mixed Numbers to the Nearest Half

Learning how to simplify fractions makes a student's life much easier later on when learning operations with fractions. It also helps them to learn that different-looking fractions can be equivalent. One way of demonstrating this is to divide out two equivalent fractions. For example 3/2 and 6/4 both result in a quotient of 1.5 when divided. By practicing simplifying fractions, students will hopefully recognize unsimplified fractions when they start adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with fractions.

• Simplifying Fractions Simplify Fractions (easier) Simplify Fractions (harder) Simplify Improper Fractions (easier) Simplify Improper Fractions (harder)
• Converting Between Improper and Mixed Fractions Converting Mixed Fractions to Improper Fractions Converting Improper Fractions to Mixed Fractions Converting Between (both ways) Mixed and Improper Fractions
• Converting Between Fractions and Decimals Converting Fractions to Terminating Decimals Converting Fractions to Terminating and Repeating Decimals Converting Terminating Decimals to Fractions Converting Terminating and Repeating Decimals to Fractions Converting Fractions to Hundredths
• Converting Between Fractions, Decimals, Percents and Ratios with Terminating Decimals Only Converting Fractions to Decimals, Percents and Part-to- Part Ratios ( Terminating Decimals Only) Converting Fractions to Decimals, Percents and Part-to- Whole Ratios ( Terminating Decimals Only) Converting Decimals to Fractions, Percents and Part-to- Part Ratios ( Terminating Decimals Only) Converting Decimals to Fractions, Percents and Part-to- Whole Ratios ( Terminating Decimals Only) Converting Percents to Fractions, Decimals and Part-to- Part Ratios ( Terminating Decimals Only) Converting Percents to Fractions, Decimals and Part-to- Whole Ratios ( Terminating Decimals Only) Converting Part-to-Part Ratios to Fractions, Decimals and Percents ( Terminating Decimals Only) Converting Part-to-Whole Ratios to Fractions, Decimals and Percents ( Terminating Decimals Only) Converting Various Fractions, Decimals, Percents and Part-to- Part Ratios ( Terminating Decimals Only) Converting Various Fractions, Decimals, Percents and Part-to- Whole Ratios ( Terminating Decimals Only)
• Converting Between Fractions, Decimals, Percents and Ratios with Terminating and Repeating Decimals Converting Fractions to Decimals, Percents and Part-to- Part Ratios Converting Fractions to Decimals, Percents and Part-to- Whole Ratios Converting Decimals to Fractions, Percents and Part-to- Part Ratios Converting Decimals to Fractions, Percents and Part-to- Whole Ratios Converting Percents to Fractions, Decimals and Part-to- Part Ratios Converting Percents to Fractions, Decimals and Part-to- Whole Ratios Converting Part-to-Part Ratios to Fractions, Decimals and Percents Converting Part-to-Whole Ratios to Fractions, Decimals and Percents Converting Various Fractions, Decimals, Percents and Part-to- Part Ratios Converting Various Fractions, Decimals, Percents and Part-to- Whole Ratios Converting Various Fractions, Decimals, Percents and Part-to- Part Ratios with 7ths and 11ths Converting Various Fractions, Decimals, Percents and Part-to- Whole Ratios with 7ths and 11ths

Multiplying Fractions

Multiplying fractions is usually less confusing operationally than any other operation and can be less confusing conceptually if approached in the right way. The algorithm for multiplying is simply multiply the numerators then multiply the denominators. The magic word in understanding the multiplication of fractions is, "of." For example what is two-thirds OF six? What is a third OF a half? When you use the word, "of," it gets much easier to visualize fractions multiplication. Example: cut a loaf of bread in half, then cut the half into thirds. One third OF a half loaf of bread is the same as 1/3 x 1/2 and tastes delicious with butter.

• Multiplying Two Proper Fraction Multiplying Two Proper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Two Proper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ ✎ Multiplying Two Proper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Two Proper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Two Proper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Two Proper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying Proper and Improper Fractions Multiplying Proper and Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Proper and Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Proper and Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Proper and Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Proper and Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Proper and Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying Two Improper Fractions Multiplying Two Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Two Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Two Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Two Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Two Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Two Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying Proper and Mixed Fractions Multiplying Proper and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Proper and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Proper and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Proper and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Proper and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Proper and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying Two Mixed Fractions Multiplying Two Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Two Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Two Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Two Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Two Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Two Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions Multiplying Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions Multiplying Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions Multiplying Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions Multiplying Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying 3 Fractions Multiplying 3 Proper Fractions (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying 3 Proper and Improper Fractions (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Proper and Improper Fractions and Whole Numbers (3 factors) (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Fractions and Mixed Fractions (3 factors) (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying 3 Mixed Fractions (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎

Dividing Fractions

Conceptually, dividing fractions is probably the most difficult of all the operations, but we're going to help you out. The algorithm for dividing fractions is just like multiplying fractions, but you find the inverse of the second fraction or you cross-multiply. This gets you the right answer which is extremely important especially if you're building a bridge. We told you how to conceptualize fraction multiplication, but how does it work with division? Easy! You just need to learn the magic phrase: "How many ____'s are there in ______? For example, in the question 6 ÷ 1/2, you would ask, "How many halves are there in 6?" It becomes a little more difficult when both numbers are fractions, but it isn't a giant leap to figure it out. 1/2 ÷ 1/4 is a fairly easy example, especially if you think in terms of U.S. or Canadian coins. How many quarters are there in a half dollar?

• Dividing Two Proper Fractions Dividing Two Proper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Two Proper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Two Proper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Two Proper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Two Proper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Two Proper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Dividing Two Improper Fractions Dividing Two Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Two Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Two Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Two Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Two Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Two Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Dividing Two Mixed Fractions Dividing Two Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Two Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Two Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Two Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Two Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Two Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Dividing 3 Fractions Dividing 3 Fractions Dividing 3 Fractions (Some Whole Numbers) Dividing 3 Fractions (Some Mixed) Dividing 3 Mixed Fractions

Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

This section includes worksheets with both multiplication and division mixed on each worksheet. Students will have to pay attention to the signs.

• Multiplying and Dividing Two Proper Fractions Multiplying and Dividing Two Proper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Two Proper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Two Proper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Two Proper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Two Proper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Two Proper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying and Dividing Two Improper Fractions Multiplying and Dividing Two Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Two Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Two Improper Fractions (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Two Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Two Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Two Improper Fractions (Printable Only)
• Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Proper and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying and Dividing Two Mixed Fractions Multiplying and Dividing Two Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Two Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Two Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Two Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Two Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Two Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions Fractions Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Proper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Improper Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying and Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions Multiplying and Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying and Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with No Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with All Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying and Dividing Proper, Improper and Mixed Fractions with Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying and Dividing 3 Fractions Multiplying/Dividing Fractions (three factors) Multiplying/Dividing Mixed Fractions (3 factors)

Adding Fractions

Adding fractions requires the annoying common denominator. Make it easy on your students by first teaching the concepts of equivalent fractions and least common multiples. Once students are familiar with those two concepts, the idea of finding fractions with common denominators for adding becomes that much easier. Spending time on modeling fractions will also help students to understand fractions addition. Relating fractions to familiar examples will certainly help. For example, if you add a 1/2 banana and a 1/2 banana, you get a whole banana. What happens if you add a 1/2 banana and 3/4 of another banana?

• Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators and Proper Fraction Results Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Result, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Result, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Result, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators and Mixed Fraction Results Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Mixed Fractions Result, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Mixed Fractions Result, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Mixed Fractions Result, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators and Proper Fraction Results Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Result, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Result, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Result, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators and Mixed Fraction Results Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Mixed Fractions Result, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Mixed Fractions Result, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Mixed Fractions Result, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Proper Fraction Results Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Result, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Result, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Result, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Mixed Fraction Results Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Result, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Result, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Result, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)

A common strategy to use when adding mixed fractions is to convert the mixed fractions to improper fractions, complete the addition, then switch back. Another strategy which requires a little less brainpower is to look at the whole numbers and fractions separately. Add the whole numbers first. Add the fractions second. If the resulting fraction is improper, then it needs to be converted to a mixed number. The whole number portion can be added to the original whole number portion.

• Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and Some Simplifying Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)

Subtracting Fractions

There isn't a lot of difference between adding and subtracting fractions. Both require a common denominator which requires some prerequisite knowledge. The only difference is the second and subsequent numerators are subtracted from the first one. There is a danger that you might end up with a negative number when subtracting fractions, so students might need to learn what it means in that case. When it comes to any concept in fractions, it is always a good idea to relate it to a familiar or easy-to-understand situation. For example, 7/8 - 3/4 = 1/8 could be given meaning in the context of a race. The first runner was 7/8 around the track when the second runner was 3/4 around the track. How far ahead was the first runner? (1/8 of the track).

• Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators and Proper Fraction Results Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators and Proper Fraction Results Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Proper Fraction Results Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and Proper Fraction Results Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and Proper Fraction Results Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Proper Fraction Results Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and Mixed Fraction Results Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and Mixed Fraction Results Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Mixed Fraction Results Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators, and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators, and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators, and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators, and No Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators, and All Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators, and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Mixing up the signs on operations with fractions worksheets makes students pay more attention to what they are doing and allows for a good test of their skills in more than one operation.

• Adding and Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions Adding and Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding and Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding and Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding and Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding and Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding and Subtracting Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Adding and Subtracting Mixed Fractions Adding and Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding and Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding and Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding and Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding and Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding and Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding/Subtracting Three Fractions/Mixed Fractions

All Operations Fractions Worksheets

• All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators and Proper Fraction Results All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and No Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and All Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Equal Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators and Proper Fraction Results All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and No Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and All Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Similar Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Proper Fraction Results All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and No Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Proper Fractions Results and All Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Two Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Mixed Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and No Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and All Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Equal Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and No Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and All Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Similar Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and No Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and All Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Proper and Improper Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and No Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and All Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Equal Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and No Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and All Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Similar Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and All Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and No Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and All Simplifying (Printable Only) All Operations with Two Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• All Operations with 3 Fractions All Operations with Three Fractions Including Some Improper Fractions All Operations with Three Fractions Including Some Negative and Some Improper Fractions

Operations with Negative Fractions Worksheets

Although some of these worksheets are single operations, it should be helpful to have all of these in the same location. There are some special considerations when completing operations with negative fractions. It is usually very helpful to change any mixed numbers to an improper fraction before proceeding. It is important to pay attention to the signs and know the rules for multiplying positives and negatives (++ = +, +- = -, -+ = - and -- = +).

• Adding with Negative Fractions Adding Negative Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators Up to Sixths, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Negative Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators Up to Twelfths, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Negative Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators Up to Sixths, Proper Fractions Results and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Negative Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators Up to Twelfths, Proper Fractions Results and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Adding Negative Proper Fractions with Denominators Up to Sixths, Proper Fraction Results and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Negative Proper Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths, Proper Fraction Results and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Negative Mixed Fractions with Denominators Up to Sixths and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Adding Negative Mixed Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Subtracting with Negative Fractions Subtracting Negative Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators Up to Sixths, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Negative Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators Up to Twelfths, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Negative Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators Up to Sixths, Mixed Fractions Results and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Negative Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators Up to Twelfths, Mixed Fractions Results and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Subtracting Negative Proper Fractions with Denominators Up to Sixths, Proper Fraction Results and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Negative Proper Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths, Proper Fraction Results and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Negative Mixed Fractions with Denominators Up to Sixths and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Subtracting Negative Mixed Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Multiplying with Negative Fractions Multiplying Negative Proper Fractions with Denominators Up to Sixths, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Negative Proper Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Negative Mixed Fractions with Denominators Up to Sixths, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Negative Mixed Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths, Proper Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Multiplying Negative Proper Fractions with Denominators Up to Sixths, Proper Fraction Results and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Negative Proper Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths, Proper Fraction Results and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Negative Mixed Fractions with Denominators Up to Sixths and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Multiplying Negative Mixed Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)
• Dividing with Negative Fractions Dividing Negative Proper Fractions with Denominators Up to Sixths, Mixed Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Negative Proper Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths, Mixed Fractions Results and Some Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Negative Mixed Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths, Mixed Fractions Results and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Negative Mixed Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths, Mixed Fractions Results and No Simplifying (Fillable, Savable, Printable) ✎ Dividing Negative Proper Fractions with Denominators Up to Sixths, Proper Fraction Results and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Negative Proper Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths, Proper Fraction Results and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Negative Mixed Fractions with Denominators Up to Sixths and Some Simplifying (Printable Only) Dividing Negative Mixed Fractions with Denominators Up to Twelfths and Some Simplifying (Printable Only)

Order of Operations with Fractions Worksheets

The order of operations worksheets in this section actually reside on the Order of Operations page, but they are included here for your convenience.

• Order of Operations with Fractions 2-Step Order of Operations with Fractions 3-Step Order of Operations with Fractions 4-Step Order of Operations with Fractions 5-Step Order of Operations with Fractions 6-Step Order of Operations with Fractions
• Order of Operations with Fractions (No Exponents) 2-Step Order of Operations with Fractions (No Exponents) 3-Step Order of Operations with Fractions (No Exponents) 4-Step Order of Operations with Fractions (No Exponents) 5-Step Order of Operations with Fractions (No Exponents) 6-Step Order of Operations with Fractions (No Exponents)
• Order of Operations with Positive and Negative Fractions 2-Step Order of Operations with Positive & Negative Fractions 3-Step Order of Operations with Positive & Negative Fractions 4-Step Order of Operations with Positive & Negative Fractions 5-Step Order of Operations with Positive & Negative Fractions 6-Step Order of Operations with Positive & Negative Fractions

Copyright © 2005-2024 Math-Drills.com You may use the math worksheets on this website according to our Terms of Use to help students learn math.

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Fractions  - Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Fractions  -, adding and subtracting fractions, fractions adding and subtracting fractions.

Fractions: Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Lesson 3: adding and subtracting fractions.

/en/fractions/comparing-and-reducing-fractions/content/

Adding and subtracting fractions

In the previous lessons, you learned that a fraction is part of a whole. Fractions show how much you have of something, like 1/2 of a tank of gas or 1/3 of a cup of water.

In real life, you might need to add or subtract fractions. For example, have you ever walked 1/2 of a mile to work and then walked another 1/2 mile back? Or drained 1/4 of a quart of gas from a gas tank that had 3/4 of a quart in it? You probably didn't think about it at the time, but these are examples of adding and subtracting fractions.

Click through the slideshow to learn how to set up addition and subtraction problems with fractions.

Let's imagine that a cake recipe tells you to add 3/5 of a cup of oil to the batter.

You also need 1/5 of a cup of oil to grease the pan. To see how much oil you'll need total, you can add these fractions together.

When you add fractions, you just add the top numbers, or numerators .

That's because the bottom numbers, or denominators , show how many parts would make a whole.

We don't want to change how many parts make a whole cup ( 5 ). We just want to find out how many parts we need total.

So we only need to add the numerators of our fractions.

We can stack the fractions so the numerators are lined up. This will make it easier to add them.

And that's all we have to do to set up an addition example with fractions. Our fractions are now ready to be added.

We'll do the same thing to set up a subtraction example. Let's say you had 3/4 of a tank of gas when you got to work.

If you use 1/4 of a tank to drive home, how much will you have left? We can subtract these fractions to find out.

Just like when we added, we'll stack our fractions to keep the numerators lined up.

This is because we want to subtract 1 part from 3 parts.

Now that our example is set up, we're ready to subtract!

Try setting up these addition and subtraction problems with fractions. Don't try solving them yet!

You run 4/10 of a mile in the morning. Later, you run for 3/10 of a mile.

You had 7/8 of a stick of butter and used 2/8 of the stick while cooking dinner.

Your gas tank is 2/5 full, and you put in another 2/5 of a tank.

Solving addition problems with fractions

Now that we know how to write addition problems with fractions, let's practice solving a few. If you can add whole numbers , you're ready to add fractions.

Click through the slideshow to learn how to add fractions.

Let's continue with our previous example and add these fractions: 3/5 of cup of oil and 1/5 of a cup of oil.

Remember, when we add fractions, we don't add the denominators.

This is because we're finding how many parts we need total. The numerators show the parts we need, so we'll add 3 and 1 .

3 plus 1 equals 4 . Make sure to line up the 4 with the numbers you just added.

The denominators will stay the same, so we'll write 5 on the bottom of our new fraction.

3/5 plus 1/5 equals 4/5 . So you'll need 4/5 of a cup of oil total to make your cake.

Let's try another example: 7/10 plus 2/10 .

Just like before, we're only going to add the numerators. In this example, the numerators are 7 and 2 .

7 plus 2 equals 9 , so we'll write that to the right of the numerators.

Just like in our earlier example, the denominator stays the same.

So 7/10 plus 2/10 equals 9/10 .

Try solving some of the addition problems below.

Solving subtraction problems with fractions

Subtracting fractions is a lot like regular subtraction. If you can subtract whole numbers , you can subtract fractions too!

Click through the slideshow to learn how to subtract fractions.

Let's use our earlier example and subtract 1/4 of a tank of gas from 3/4 of a tank.

Just like in addition, we're not going to change the denominators.

We don't want to change how many parts make a whole tank of gas. We just want to know how many parts we'll have left.

We'll start by subtracting the numerators. 3 minus 1 equals 2 , so we'll write 2 to the right of the numerators.

Just like when we added, the denominator of our answer will be the same as the other denominators.

So 3/4 minus 1/4 equals 2/4 . You'll have 2/4 of a tank of gas left when you get home.

Let's try solving another problem: 5/6 minus 3/6 .

We'll start by subtracting the numerators.

5 minus 3 equals 2 . So we'll put a 2 to the right of the numerators.

As usual, the denominator stays the same.

So 5/6 minus 3/6 equals 2/6 .

Try solving some of the subtraction problems below.

After you add or subtract fractions, you may sometimes have a fraction that can be reduced to a simpler fraction. As you learned in Comparing and Reducing Fractions , it's always best to reduce a fraction to its simplest form when you can. For example, 1/4 plus 1/4 equals 2/4 . Because 2 and 4 can both be divided 2 , we can reduce 2/4 to 1/2 .

Adding fractions with different denominators

On the last page, we learned how to add fractions that have the same denominator, like 1/4 and 3/4 . But what if you needed to add fractions with different denominators? For example, our cake recipe might say to blend 1/4 cup of milk in slowly and then dump in another 1/3 of a cup.

In Comparing and Reducing Fractions , we compared fractions with a different bottom number, or denominator. We had to change the fractions so their denominators were the same. To do that, we found the lowest common denominator , or LCD .

We can only add or subtract fractions if they have the same denominators. So we'll need to find the lowest common denominator before we add or subtract these fractions. Once the fractions have the same denominator, we can add or subtract as usual.

Click through the slideshow to learn how to add fractions with different denominators.

Let's add 1/4 and 1/3 .

Before we can add these fractions, we'll need to change them so they have the same denominator .

To do that, we'll have to find the LCD , or lowest common denominator, of 4 and 3 .

It looks like 12 is the smallest number that can be divided by both 3 and 4, so 12 is our LCD .

Since 12 is the LCD, it will be the new denominator for our fractions.

Now we'll change the numerators of the fractions, just like we changed the denominators.

First, let's look at the fraction on the left: 1/4 .

To change 4 into 12 , we multiplied it by 3 .

Since the denominator was multiplied by 3 , we'll also multiply the numerator by 3 .

1 times 3 equals 3 .

1/4 is equal to 3/12 .

Now let's look at the fraction on the right: 1/3 . We changed its denominator to 12 as well.

Our old denominator was 3 . We multiplied it by 4 to get 12.

We'll also multiply the numerator by 4 . 1 times 4 equals 4 .

So 1/3 is equal to 4/12 .

Now that our fractions have the same denominator, we can add them like we normally do.

3 plus 4 equals 7 . As usual, the denominator stays the same. So 3/12 plus 4/12 equals 7/12 .

Try solving the addition problems below.

Subtracting fractions with different denominators

We just saw that fractions can only be added when they have the same denominator. The same thing is true when we're subtracting fractions. Before we can subtract, we'll have to change our fractions so they have the same denominator.

Click through the slideshow to learn how to subtract fractions with different denominators.

Let's try subtracting 1/3 from 3/5 .

First, we'll change the denominators of both fractions to be the same by finding the lowest common denominator .

It looks like 15 is the smallest number that can be divided evenly by 3 and 5 , so 15 is our LCD.

Now we'll change our first fraction. To change the denominator to 15 , we'll multiply the denominator and the numerator by 3 .

5 times 3 equals 15 . So our fraction is now 9/15 .

Now let's change the second fraction. To change the denominator to 15 , we'll multiply both numbers by 5 to get 5/15 .

Now that our fractions have the same denominator, we can subtract like we normally do.

9 minus 5 equals 4 . As always, the denominator stays the same. So 9/15 minus 5/15 equals 4/15 .

Try solving the subtraction problems below.

Adding and subtracting mixed numbers

Over the last few pages, you've practiced adding and subtracting different kinds of fractions. But some problems will need one extra step. For example, can you add the fractions below?

In Introduction to Fractions , you learned about mixed numbers . A mixed number has both a fraction and a whole number . An example is 2 1/2 , or two-and-a-half . Another way to write this would be 5/2 , or five-halves . These two numbers look different, but they're actually the same.

5/2 is an improper fraction . This just means the top number is larger than the bottom number. Even though improper fractions look strange, you can add and subtract them just like normal fractions. Mixed numbers aren't easy to add, so you'll have to convert them into improper fractions first.

Let's add these two mixed numbers: 2 3/5 and 1 3/5 .

We'll need to convert these mixed numbers to improper fractions. Let's start with 2 3/5 .

As you learned in Lesson 2 , we'll multiply the whole number, 2 , by the bottom number, 5 .

2 times 5 equals 10 .

Now, let's add 10 to the numerator, 3 .

10 + 3 equals 13 .

Just like when you add fractions, the denominator stays the same. Our improper fraction is 13/5 .

Now we'll need to convert our second mixed number: 1 3/5 .

First, we'll multiply the whole number by the denominator. 1 x 5 = 5 .

Next, we'll add 5 to the numerators. 5 + 3 = 8 .

Just like last time, the denominator remains the same. So we've changed 1 3/5 to 8/5 .

Now that we've changed our mixed numbers to improper fractions, we can add like we normally do.

13 plus 8 equals 21 . As usual, the denominator will stay the same. So 13/5 + 8/5 = 21/5 .

Because we started with a mixed number, let's convert this improper fraction back into a mixed number.

As you learned in the previous lesson , divide the top number by the bottom number. 21 divided by 5 equals 4, with a remainder of 1 .

The answer, 4, will become our whole number.

And the remainder , 1, will become the numerator of the fraction.

So 2 3/5 + 1 3/5 = 4 1/5 .

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Adding and Subtracting Fractions

With like denominators.

Welcome to our Adding and Subtracting Fraction Worksheets page.

Here you will find a wide range of free printable fraction worksheets as well as a video and support page about Adding and Subtracting Fractions with like denominators to help your child learn and practice this 3rd grade skill.

Use this link to go to our Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators page.

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Adding and Subtracting Fraction Worksheets with like denominators

How to add and subtract fractions.

Here you will find support pages about how to add and subtract fractions (with both like and unlike denominators).

• How do you add Fractions?
• Steps to subtract Fractions?

Adding Subtracting Fractions Calculator

If you want to use our Free Fraction Calculator to do the work for you then use the link below.

Our Fraction calculator will allow you to add or subtract fractions and show you the steps to work it out.

Otherwise, for more detailed support and worksheets, keep reading!

• Free Fraction Calculator

How to Add and Subtract Fractions with Like Denominators Video

Find out how to add and subtract fractions with like denominators using the video below.

Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators Worksheets

Here you will find a selection of Free Fraction worksheets designed to help your child understand how to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator. The sheets are graded so that the easier ones are at the top.

Using these sheets will help your child to:

• add and subtract fractions with the same denominator.

All the free Fraction worksheets in this section support the Elementary Math Benchmarks for Third Grade.

• Adding Fractions with Like Denominators
• Adding Fractions With Like Denominators Using Circles 1
• PDF version
• Adding Fractions Like Denominators 1
• Adding Fractions Like Denominators 2
• Adding Fractions Like Denominators 3

Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators

• Subtract Fractions with Like Denominators Using Circles 1
• Subtracting Fractions Like Denominators 1
• Subtracting Fractions Like Denominators 2
• Subtracting Fractions Like Denominators 3

Adding & Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators

• Adding Subtracting Fractions Like Denominators Using Circles 1
• Adding Subtracting Fractions like denominators 1
• Adding Subtracting Fractions like denominators 2

More Recommended Math Worksheets

Take a look at some more of our worksheets similar to these.

• Adding Subtracting Fractions with unlike denominators

If you need to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators, then we have a page dedicated to this skill.

• Fractions Adding and Subtracting Worksheets (randomly generated)

More Adding & Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators

• Subtracting Fractions with like denominators

How to find unit fractions of a number

Here you will find a selection of Fraction worksheets designed to help your child understand how to work out fractions of different numbers, where the numerator is equal to 1.

• develop an understanding of fractions as parts of a whole;
• know how to calculate unit fractions of a range of numbers.
• Unit Fraction of Numbers

Learning Fractions Math Help Page

Here you will find the Math Salamanders free online Math help pages about Fractions.

There is a wide range of help pages including help with:

• fraction definitions;
• equivalent fractions;
• converting improper fractions;
• how to add and subtract fractions;
• how to convert fractions to decimals and percentages;
• how to simplify fractions.
• Learning Fractions Support

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Addition and Subtraction of Fraction: Methods, Examples, Facts, FAQs

What is addition and subtraction of fractions, methods of addition and subtraction of fractions, addition and subtraction of mixed numbers, solved examples on addition and subtraction of fractions, practice problems on addition and subtraction of fractions, frequently asked questions on addition and subtraction of fractions.

Addition and subtraction of fractions are the fundamental operations on fractions that can be studied easily using two cases:

• Addition and subtraction of like fractions (fractions with same denominators)
• Addition and subtraction of unlike fractions (fractions with different denominators)

A fraction represents parts of a whole. For example, the fraction 37 represents 3 parts out of 7 equal parts of a whole. Here, 3 is the numerator and it represents the number of parts taken. 7 is the denominator and it represents the total number of parts of the whole.

Adding and subtracting fractions is simple and straightforward when it comes to like fractions. In the case of unlike fractions, we first need to make the denominators the same. Let’s take a closer look at both these cases.

Before adding and subtracting fractions, we first need to make sure that the fractions have the same denominators. 

When the denominators are the same, we simply add the numerators and keep the denominator as it is. To add or subtract unlike fractions, we first need to learn how to make the denominators alike. Let’s learn how to add fractions and how to subtract fractions in both cases.

Related Worksheets

Addition and Subtraction of Like Fractions

The rules for adding fractions with the same denominator are really simple and straightforward. 

Let’s learn with the help of examples and visual bar models.

Addition of Like Fractions

Here are the steps to add fractions with the same denominator:

Step 1: Add the numerators of the given fractions. 

Step 2: Keep the denominator the same. 

Step 3: Simplify.          

$\frac{a}{c} + \frac{b}{c} = \frac{a + b}{c}$  …$c \neq 0$

Example 1: Find $\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4}$ .

$\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1 + 2}{4} = \frac{3}{4}$

We can visualize this addition using a bar model:

Example 2: $\frac{1}{8} + \frac{3}{8} = \frac{1 + 3}{8} = \frac{4}{8} = \frac{1}{2}$

Subtraction of Like Fractions

Here are the steps to subtract fractions with the same denominator:

Step 1: Subtract the numerators of the given fractions. 

Step 3: Simplify. 

$\frac{a}{c}\;-\;\frac{b}{c} = \frac{a \;-\; b}{c}$ …$c \neq 0$

Example 1: Find $\frac{4}{6} \;-\; \frac{1}{6}$.

$\frac{4}{6}\;-\;\frac{1}{6} = \frac{4-1}{6} = \frac{3}{6} = \frac{1}{2}$

Addition and Subtraction of Unlike Fractions

Addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators can be a little bit tricky since the denominators are not the same. So, we need to first convert the unlike fractions into like fractions. Let’s look at a few ways to do this!

Addition of Unlike Fractions

We can make the denominators the same by finding the LCM of the two denominators. Once we calculate the LCM, we multiply both the numerator and the denominator with an appropriate number so that we get the LCM value in the denominator. 

Example: $\frac{3}{5} + \frac{3}{2}$

Step 1: Find the LCM (Least Common Multiple) of the two denominators.

The LCM of 5 and 2 is 10.

Step 2: Convert both the fractions into like fractions by making the denominators same.  

$\frac{3 \times 2}{5 \times 2} = \frac{6}{10}$  

$\frac{3 \times 5}{2 \times 5} = \frac{15}{10}$

Step 3: Add the numerators. The denominator stays the same.

$\frac{6}{10} + \frac{15}{10} = \frac{21}{10}$

Step 4: Convert the resultant fraction to its simplest form if the GCF of the numerator and denominator is not 1. 

In this case, GCF (21,10) $= 1$

The fraction $\frac{21}{10}$ is already in its simplest form. 

Thus, $\frac{3}{5} + \frac{3}{2} = \frac{21}{10}$

Subtraction of Unlike Fractions

Let’s learn how to subtract fractions when denominators are not the same. To subtract unlike fractions, we use the LCM method. The process is similar to what we discussed in the previous example.

Example: $\frac{5}{6} \;-\; \frac{2}{9}$

Step 1: Find the LCM of the two denominators.

LCM of 6 and $9 = 18$

Step 2: Convert both the fractions into like fractions by making the denominators same.

$\frac{5 \times 3}{6 \times 3} = \frac{15}{18}$   

$\frac{2 \times 2}{9 \times 2} = \frac{4}{18}$

Step 3: Subtract the numerators. The denominator stays the same.

$\frac{15}{18} \;-\; \frac{4}{18} = \frac{11}{18}$

In this case, the GCF (11,18) $= 1$

So, it is already in its simplest form. 

Thus, $\frac{5}{6}\;-\; 29 = \frac{11}{18}$

A mixed number is a type of fraction that has two parts: a whole number and a proper fraction. It is also known as a mixed fraction. Any mixed number can be written in the form of an improper fraction and vice-versa. 

Adding and subtracting mixed fractions is done by converting mixed numbers into improper fractions .

Addition and Subtraction of Mixed Fractions with Same Denominators

The steps of adding and subtracting mixed numbers with the same denominators are the same. The only difference is the operation.

Step 1: Convert the given mixed fractions to improper fractions.

Step 2: Add/Subtract the like fractions obtained in step 1.

Step 3: Reduce the fraction to its simplest form.

Step 4: Convert the resulting fraction into a mixed number.

Example 1: $2\frac{1}{5} + 1\frac{3}{5}$

$2\frac{1}{5} = \frac{(5 \times 2) + 1}{5} = \frac{11}{5}$

$1\frac{3}{5} = \frac{(5 \times 1) + 3}{5} = \frac{8}{5}$

Thus, $2\frac{1}{5} + 1\frac{3}{5} = \frac{11}{5} + \frac{8}{5} = \frac{19}{5}$

Converting $\frac{19}{5}$ into a mixed number, we get

$\frac{19}{5} = 3\frac{4}{5}$

Example 2: $2\frac{1}{5} + 1\frac{3}{5} = \frac{11}{5} \;-\; \frac{8}{5} = \frac{3}{5}$

Addition and Subtraction of Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Step 2: Convert both the fractions into like fractions by finding the least common denominator.

Step 3: Add the fractions. (or subtract the fractions.)

Step 4: Reduce the fraction if possible or convert back to a mixed number 

Let us understand the addition of mixed numbers with unlike denominators with the help of an example.

Example 1: Find the value of $1\frac{3}{5} + 2\frac{1}{2}$.

Convert the given mixed fractions to improper fractions.

$1\frac{3}{5} = \frac{8}{5}$ and $2\frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{2}$

Step 2: Convert both the fractions into like fractions by making the denominators the same.

Here, LCM of 5 and 2 is 10.

Thus, $\frac{8 \times 2}{5 \times 2} = \frac{16}{10}$ and $\frac{5\times 5}{2 \times 5} = \frac{25}{10}$

Step 3: Add the fractions by adding the numerators.

$\frac{16}{10} + \frac{25}{10} = \frac{41}{10}$

Step 4: Convert back into a mixed number. 

Thus, $\frac{41}{10}$ will become  $4\frac{1}{10}$

Therefore, $1\frac{3}{5} + 2\frac{1}{2} =  4\frac{1}{10}$

Here’s an example for subtraction. It follows the same steps.

Example 2 : $6\frac{1}{2} \;-\; 1\frac{3}{4}$

Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions.

     $6\frac{1}{2} \;-\; 1\frac{3}{4} = \frac{13}{2} \;-\; \frac{7}{4}$

Step 2: Make the denominators equal.

LCM of 2 and 4 is 4. 

   $\frac{13 \times 2}{2 \times 2} = \frac{26}{4}$ 

Step 3: Subtract the fractions.

        $\frac{26}{4} \;-\;  \frac{7}{4} = \frac{19}{4}$

Step 4: Convert the fraction as a mixed number.

            $\frac{19}{4}  = 4\frac{3}{4}$  

Thus, $6\frac{1}{2} \;-\; 1\frac{3}{4}  =   4\frac{3}{4}$  

Facts about Addition and Subtraction of Fractions

• We cannot add or subtract fractions without converting them into like fractions.
• Like fractions are fractions that have the same denominator, and unlike fractions are fractions that have different denominators.
• Equivalent fractions are two different fractions that represent the same value.
• The LCD (least common denominator) of two fractions is the LCM of the denominators.

In this article, we have learned about addition and subtraction of fractions (like fractions, unlike fractions, mixed fractions), methods of addition and subtraction of these fractions along with the steps. Let’s solve some examples on adding and subtracting fractions to understand the concept better.

• Solve: $\frac{2}{4} + \frac{1}{4}$ .

Solution: 

Here, the denominators are the same.

Thus, we add the numerators by keeping the denominators as it is.

$\frac{2}{4} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{2 + 1}{4}$ 

$\frac{2}{4} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{4}$

2. Find the sum of the fractions $\frac{3}{5}$ and $\frac{5}{2}$ by using the LCM method.

$\frac{3}{5}$ and $\frac{5}{2}$ are unlike fractions.

The LCM of 2 and 5 is 10.

Thus, we can write

$\frac{3}{5} + \frac{5}{2} = \frac{3 \times 2}{5 \times 2} + \frac{5 \times 5}{2 \times 5}$

$= \frac{6}{10} + \frac{25}{10}$

            $= \frac{6}{10} + \frac{25}{10}$

            $= \frac{31}{10}$

Thus, $\frac{3}{5} + \frac{5}{2} =  \frac{31}{10}$

3. Find $\frac{4}{16} + \frac{5}{8}$.

Solution:  

To add two fractions with different denominators, we first need to find the LCM of the denominators.

The LCM of 16 and 8 is 16.

$\frac{4}{16} + \frac{5}{8} = \frac{4 \times 1}{16\times 1} + \frac{5 \times 2}{8 \times 2}$ 

            $= \frac{10}{16} + \frac{4}{16}$ 

            $= \frac{14}{16}$

$= \frac{7}{8}$

4. From a rope $12\frac{1}{2}$ ft. long, a $7 \frac{6}{8}\;-$ ft-long piece is cut off. Find the length of the remaining rope.

Total length of the rope $= 12\frac{1}{2}$ ft.

Length of the rope that was cut off $= 7 \frac{6}{8}$ ft. 

The length of the remaining rope $= 12\frac{1}{2} \;-\; 7 \frac{6}{8}$

$12\frac{1}{2} \;-\; 7 \frac{6}{8} = \frac{25}{2} \;-\; \frac{62}{8}$

         $= \frac{25 \times 4}{2 \times 4} \;-\; \frac{62 \times 1}{8\times 1}$

         $= \frac{100}{8} \;-\; \frac{62}{8}$

         $= \frac{38}{8}$

         $= \frac{19}{4}$

Converting it into a mixed fraction, $\frac{19}{4}$ becomes $4 \frac{3}{4}$.

Thus, the length of the remaining rope is $4\frac{3}{4}$ ft.

Attend this quiz & Test your knowledge.

Find $\frac{2}{4} + \frac{2}{4}$.

$\frac{7}{24} + \frac{5}{16} =$, what is the least common denominator of $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{3}$, $\frac{3}{6} \;-\; \frac{1}{6} =$, what equation does the following figure represent.

How do we add and subtract negative fractions?

Negative fractions are simply fractions with a negative sign. The steps to add and subtract the negative fractions remain the same. We need to follow the rules for addition/subtraction with negative signs.

How can we convert an improper fraction into a mixed number?

To convert an improper fraction into a mixed number, we divide the numerator by the denominator. The denominator stays the same. The quotient represents the whole number part. The remainder represents the numerator of the mixed number.

Example: $\frac{14}{3} = 4\; \text{R}\; 2$

Quotient $= 4$

Remainder $= 2$

$\frac{14}{3} = 4\frac{2}{3}$

How do we divide two fractions?

To divide one fraction by another, we multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.

$\frac{A}{B} \div \frac{C}{D} = \frac{A}{B} \times \frac{D}{C}$

For example, $\frac{1}{2} \div \frac{3}{5} = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{5}{3} = \frac{5}{6}$

What are the rules of adding and subtracting fractions?

• Before adding or subtracting, we check if the fractions have the same denominator.
• If the denominators are equal, then we add/subtract the numerators keeping the common denominator.
• If the denominators are different, then we make the denominators equal by using the LCM method. Once the fractions have the same denominator, we can add/subtract the numerators keeping the common denominator as it is.

How do we add and subtract fractions with whole numbers?

• Convert the whole number to a fraction. To do this, give the whole number a denominator of 1.
• Convert to fractions of like denominators. 
• Add/subtract the numerators. Now that the fractions have the same denominators, you can treat the numerators as a normal addition/subtraction problem.

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Unit 4: Add and subtract fractions

Strategies for adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.

• Visually adding fractions: 5/6+1/4 (Opens a modal)
• Visually subtracting fractions: 3/4-5/8 (Opens a modal)
• Visually add and subtract fractions Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Estimate to add and subtract fractions with different denominators Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Common denominators

• Finding common denominators (Opens a modal)
• Common denominators: 1/4 and 5/6 (Opens a modal)
• Common denominators: 3/5 and 7/2 (Opens a modal)
• Common denominators review (Opens a modal)
• Common denominators Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Equivalent expressions with common denominators Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators

• Adding fractions with unlike denominators (Opens a modal)
• Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators (Opens a modal)
• Adding and subtracting 3 fractions (Opens a modal)
• Solving for the missing fraction (Opens a modal)
• Add fractions with unlike denominators Get 5 of 7 questions to level up!
• Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators Get 5 of 7 questions to level up!
• Add and subtract fractions Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Adding and subtracting mixed number with unlike denominators

• Adding mixed numbers: 19 3/18 + 18 2/3 (Opens a modal)
• Subtracting mixed numbers: 7 6/9 - 3 2/5 (Opens a modal)
• Adding mixed numbers with regrouping (Opens a modal)
• Subtracting mixed numbers with regrouping (unlike denominators) (Opens a modal)
• Add and subtract mixed numbers with unlike denominators (no regrouping) Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
• Add and subtract mixed numbers with unlike denominators (regrouping) Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators word problems

• Adding fractions word problem: paint (Opens a modal)
• Subtracting fractions word problem: tomatoes (Opens a modal)
• Add and subtract fractions word problems Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

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2.6: Adding and Subtracting Mixed Fractions

• Last updated
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• Page ID 137908

• David Arnold
• College of the Redwoods

In this section, we will learn how to add and subtract mixed fractions.

Adding Mixed Fractions

We can use tools we’ve already developed to add two or more mixed fractions.

Simplify: \(2 \frac{7}{8} + 1 \frac{3}{4}\).

Change the mixed fractions to improper fractions, make equivalent fractions with a common denominator, then add.

\[ \begin{aligned} 2 \frac{7}{8} + 1 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{23}{8} + \frac{7}{4} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Change to equivalent fractions.}} \\ = \frac{23}{8} + \frac{7 \cdot \textcolor{red}{2}}{4 \cdot \textcolor{red}{2}} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Equivalent fractions with LCD = 8.}} \\ = \frac{23}{8} + \frac{14}{8} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Simplify numerators and denominators.}} \\ = \frac{37}{8} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Add numerators over common denominator.}} \end{aligned}\nonumber \]

Although this answer is perfectly acceptable, let’s change the answer to a mixed fraction: 37 divided by 8 is 4, with a remainder of 5. Thus,

\[ 2 \frac{7}{8} + 1 \frac{3}{4} = 4 \frac{5}{8}.\nonumber \]

Simplify: \(3 \frac{2}{3} + 4 \frac{1}{8}\)

\(7 \frac{19}{24}\)

Simplify: \(3 \frac{1}{4} + 2 \frac{1}{3}\).

\[ \begin{aligned} 3 \frac{1}{4} + 2 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{13}{4} + \frac{7}{3} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Change to improper fractions.}} \\ = \frac{13 \cdot \textcolor{red}{3}}{4 \cdot \textcolor{red}{3}} + \frac{7 \cdot \textcolor{red}{4}}{3 \cdot \textcolor{red}{4}} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Equivalent fractions with LCD = 12.}} \\ = \frac{39}{12} + \frac{28}{12} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Simplify numerators and denominators.}} \\ = \frac{67}{12} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Add numerators and denominators.}} \end{aligned}\nonumber \]

Although this answer is perfectly acceptable, let’s change the answer to a mixed fraction: 67 divided by 12 is 5, with a remainder of 7. Thus,

\[ 3 \frac{1}{4} + 2 \frac{1}{3} = 5 \frac{7}{12}.\nonumber \]

Simplify: \(8 \frac{1}{2} + 2 \frac{2}{3}\)

\(11 \frac{1}{6}\)

Mixed Fraction Approach

There is another possible approach, based on the fact that a mixed fraction is a sum. Let’s revisit Example 2.

Use the commutative and associative properties to change the order of addition, make equivalent fractions with a common denominator, then add.

\[ \begin{aligned} 3 \frac{1}{4} + 2 \frac{1}{3} = \left( 3 + \frac{1}{4} \right) + \left( 2 + \frac{1}{3} \right) ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Mixed fractions as sums.}} \\ = (3+2) + \left( \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{3} \right) ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Reorder and regroup.}} \\ = 5 + \left( \frac{1 \cdot \textcolor{red}{3}}{4 \cdot \textcolor{red}{3}} + \frac{1 \cdot \textcolor{red}{4}}{3 \cdot \textcolor{red}{4}} \right) ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \begin{aligned} \text{ Add whole numbers: 3 + 2 = 5.} \\ \text{ Equivalent fractions; LCD = 12.} \end{aligned}} \\ = 5 + \left( \frac{3}{12} + \frac{4}{12} \right) ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Simplify numerators and denominators.}} \\ = 5 + \frac{7}{12} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Add numerators over common denominators.}} \end{aligned}\nonumber \]

This result can be written in mixed fraction form. Thus,

\[3 \frac{1}{4} + 2 \frac{1}{3} = 5 \frac{7}{12}.\nonumber \]

Note that this solution is identical to the result found in Example 2.

Simplify: \(7 \frac{2}{5} + 3 \frac{1}{8}\)

\(10 \frac{21}{40}\)

Example 3 leads us to the following result.

To add two mixed fractions, add the whole number parts, then add the fractional parts.

Working in Vertical Format

When adding mixed fractions, many prefer to work in a vertical format. For example, here is how we would arrange the solution from Example 2 and Example 3 in vertical format. We create equivalent fractions, then add the whole number parts and fractional parts.

\[ \begin{array}{c c c c c} 3 \frac{1}{4} & = & 3 \frac{1 \cdot 3}{4 \cdot 3} & = & 3 \frac{3}{12} \\ +2 \frac{1}{3} & = & +2 \frac{1 \cdot 4}{3 \cdot 4} & = & +2 \frac{4}{12} \\ \hline & & \hline & & \hline \\ ~ & ~ & ~ & ~ & 5 \frac{7}{12} \end{array}\nonumber \]

Note that the answer is identical to the answer found in Example 2 and Example 3. That is,

Sarah is making window curtains for two rooms in her house. The kitchen will require \(5 \frac{2}{3}\) yards of material and the dining room will require \(6 \frac{5}{8}\) yards of material. How much total material is required?

To find the total material required for the two rooms, we must add \(5 \frac{2}{3}\) and \(6 \frac{5}{8}\). Create equivalent fractions with a common denominator, then add whole number parts and fractional parts.

\[ \begin{array}{c c c c c} 5 \frac{2}{3} & = & 5 \frac{2 \cdot 8}{3 \cdot 8} & = & 5 \frac{16}{24} \\ +6 \frac{5}{8} & = & +6 \frac{5 \cdot 3}{8 \cdot 3} & = & +6 \frac{15}{24} \\ \hline & & & & 11 \frac{31}{24} \end{array}\nonumber \]

An answer that is part mixed fraction, part improper fraction, is not allowed. To finish, we need to change the improper fractional part to a mixed fraction, then add. 31 divided by 24 is 1, with a remainder of 7. That is, 31/24 = 1 7 24 . Now we can add whole number parts and fractional parts.

\[ \begin{aligned} 11 \frac{31}{24} = 11 + 1 \frac{7}{24} \\ = 12 \frac{7}{24}. \end{aligned}\nonumber \]

Thus, the total material required is \(12 \frac{7}{24}\) yards.

Jim is working on a project that requires two boards, the first cut to a length of \(6 \frac{1}{2}\) feet, the second cut to a length of \(5 \frac{7}{8}\) feet. How many total feet of board is required?

\(12 \frac{3}{8}\) feet.

Subtracting Mixed Fractions

Let’s look at some examples that subtract two mixed fractions.

Simplify: \(4 \frac{5}{8} - 2 \frac{1}{16}\).

Change the mixed fractions to improper fractions, make equivalent fractions with a common denominator, then subtract.

\[ \begin{aligned} 4 \frac{5}{8} - 2 \frac{1}{16} = \frac{37}{8} - \frac{33}{16} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Change to improper fractions.}} \\ = \frac{37 \cdot \textcolor{red}{2}}{8 \cdot \textcolor{red}{2}} - \frac{33}{16} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Equivalent fractions with LCD = 16.}} \\ = \frac{74}{16} - \frac{33}{16} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Simplify numerator and denominators.}} \\ = \frac{41}{16} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Add numerators over common denominator.}} \end{aligned}\nonumber \]

Although this answer is perfectly acceptable, let’s change the answer to a mixed fraction: 41 divided by 16 is 2, with a remainder of 9. Thus,

\[4 \frac{5}{8} - 2 \frac{1}{16} = 2 \frac{9}{16}.\nonumber \]

Simplify: \(5 \frac{2}{3} - 3 \frac{1}{5}\)

\(2 \frac{7}{15}\)

Simplify: \(5 \frac{3}{4} - 2 \frac{1}{3}\).

\[ \begin{aligned} 5 \frac{3}{4} - 2 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{23}{4} - \frac{7}{3} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Change to improper fractions.}} \\ = \frac{23 \cdot \textcolor{red}{3}}{4 \cdot \textcolor{red}{3}} - \frac{7 \cdot \textcolor{red}{4}}{3 \cdot \textcolor{red}{4}} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Equivalent fractions with LCD = 12.}} \\ = \frac{69}{12} - \frac{28}{12} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Simplify numerators and denominators.}} \\ = \frac{41}{12} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Add numerators over common denominator.}} \end{aligned}\nonumber \]

Although this answer is perfectly acceptable, let’s change the answer to a mixed fraction: 41 divided by 12 is 3, with a remainder of 5. Thus,

\[5 \frac{3}{4} - 2 \frac{1}{3} = 3 \frac{5}{12}.\nonumber \]

Simplify: \(4 \frac{7}{9} - 2 \frac{3}{18}\)

\(2 \frac{11}{18}\)

There is another possible approach, based on the fact that a mixed fraction is a sum. Let’s revisit Example 6.

A mixed fraction is a sum.

\[ 5 \frac{3}{4} - 2 \frac{1}{3} = \left( 5 + \frac{3}{4} \right) - \left( 2 + \frac{1}{3} \right)\nonumber \]

Distribute the negative sign.

\[ = 5 + \frac{3}{4} - 2 - \frac{1}{3}\nonumber \]

We could change the subtraction to adding the opposite, change the order of addition, then change the adding of opposites back to subtraction. However, it is much easier if we look at this last line as a request to add four numbers, two of which are positive and two of which are negative. Changing the order does not affect the answer.

\[=(5-2) + \left( \frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{3} \right)\nonumber \]

Note that we did not change the signs of any of the four numbers. We just changed the order. Subtract the whole number parts. Make equivalent fractions with a common denominator, then subtract the fractional parts.

\[ \begin{aligned} = 3 + \left( \frac{3 \cdot \textcolor{red}{3}}{4 \cdot \textcolor{red}{3}} - \frac{1 \cdot \textcolor{red}{4}}{3 \cdot \textcolor{red}{4}} \right) ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Create equivalent fractions.}} \\ = 3 + \left( \frac{9}{12} - \frac{4}{12} \right) ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Simplify numerators and denominators.}} \\ = 3 + \frac{5}{12} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Subtract fractional parts.}} \end{aligned}\nonumber \]

Note that this is exactly the same answer as that found in Example 6.

Simplify: \(8 \frac{5}{6} - 4 \frac{3}{8}\)

\(4 \frac{11}{24}\)

In Example 6, we see that we handle subtraction of mixed fractions in exactly the same manner that we handle addition of mixed fractions.

To subtract two mixed fractions, subtract their whole number parts, then subtract their fractional parts.

When subtracting mixed fractions, many prefer to work in a vertical format. For example, here is how we would arrange the solution from Example 6 and Example 7 in vertical format. We create equivalent fractions, then subtract the whole number parts and fractional parts.

\[ \begin{array}{r r r r r} 5 \frac{3}{4} & = & 5 \frac{3 \cdot \textcolor{red}{3}}{4 \cdot \textcolor{red}{3}} & = & 5 \frac{9}{12} \\ -2 \frac{1}{3} & = & -3 \frac{1 \cdot \textcolor{red}{4}}{3 \cdot \textcolor{red}{4}} & = & -2 \frac{4}{12} \\ \hline & & & & 3 \frac{5}{12} \end{array}\nonumber \]

Note that the answer is identical to the answer found in Example 6 and Example 7. That is,

Borrowing in Vertical Format

Consider the following example.

Simplify: \(8 \frac{1}{4} - 5 \frac{5}{6}\).

Create equivalent fractions with a common denominator.

\[ \begin{array}{r r r r r} 8 \frac{1}{4} & = & 8 \frac{1 \cdot \textcolor{red}{3}}{4 \cdot \textcolor{red}{3}} & = & 8 \frac{3}{12} \\ -5 \frac{5}{6} & = & -5 \frac{5 \cdot \textcolor{red}{2}}{6 \cdot \textcolor{red}{2}} & = & -5 \frac{10}{12} \\ \hline \end{array}\nonumber \]

You can see the difficulty. On the far right, we cannot subtract 10/12 from 3/12. The fix is to borrow 1 from 8 in the form of 12/12 and add it to the 3/12.

\[ \begin{array}{r r r r r} 8 \frac{3}{12} & = & 7 + \frac{12}{12} + \frac{3}{12} & = & 7 \frac{15}{12} \\ -5 \frac{10}{12} & = & -5 \frac{10}{12} & = & -5 \frac{10}{12} \\ \hline & & & & 2 \frac{5}{12} \end{array}\nonumber \]

Now we can subtract. Hence, \(8 \frac{1}{4} − 5 \frac{5}{6} = 2 \frac{5}{12}\).

Simplify: \(7 \frac{1}{14} - 2 \frac{5}{21}\)

\(4 \frac{5}{6}\).

Jim has a metal rod of length 10 inches. He cuts a length from the metal rod measuring \(2 \frac{7}{8}\) inches. What is the length of the remaining piece?

To find the length of the remaining piece, we must subtract \(2 \frac{7}{8}\) from 10. There is no fractional part on the first number. To remedy this absence, we borrow 1 from 10 in the form of 8/8. Then we can subtract.

\[ \begin{array}{r r r r r} 10 & = & 9 + \frac{8}{8} & = & 9 \frac{8}{8} \\ -2 \frac{7}{8} & = & -2 \frac{7}{8} & = & -2 \frac{7}{8} \\ \hline & & & & 7 \frac{1}{8} \end{array}\nonumber \]

Hence, the length of the remaining piece of the metal rod is \(7 \frac{1}{8}\) inches.

Sarah has a length of curtain material that measures 12 feet. She cuts a length of \(6 \frac{2}{3}\) feet from her curtain material. What is the length of the remaining piece?

\(5 \frac{1}{3}\) feet

Add or subtract the mixed fractions, as indicated, by first converting each mixed fraction to an improper fraction. Express your answer as a mixed fraction.

1. \(9 \frac{1}{4} + 9 \frac{1}{2}\)

5. \(9 \frac{1}{2} + 7 \frac{1}{4}\)

11. \(8 \frac{1}{2} − 1 \frac{1}{3}\)

13. \(4 \frac{1}{2} − 1 \frac{1}{8}\)

21. \(4 \frac{2}{3} + 1 \frac{1}{4}\)

Add or subtract the mixed fractions, as indicated, by using vertical format. Express your answer as a mixed fraction.

25. \(3 \frac{1}{2} + 3 \frac{3}{4}\)

31. \(8 \frac{1}{2} − 5 \frac{2}{3}\)

35. \(9 \frac{1}{2} − 1 \frac{1}{3}\)

41. \(1 \frac{1}{16} + 1 \frac{3}{4}\)

47. \(2 \frac{2}{3} + 1 \frac{1}{4}\)

1. \(18 \frac{3}{4}\)

5. \(16 \frac{3}{4}\)

11. \(7 \frac{1}{6}\)

13. \(3 \frac{3}{8}\)

21. \(5 \frac{11}{12}\)

25. \(7 \frac{1}{4}\)

31. \(2 \frac{5}{6}\)

35. \(8 \frac{1}{6}\)

41. \(2 \frac{13}{16}\)

47. \(3 \frac{11}{12}\)