Adding and Subtracting Fractions in Word Problems

5th Grade•60 minutes•KY.5.NF.2 Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions. a. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators. b. Use benchmark fractions and number sense of fractions to estimate mentally and assess the reasonableness of answers.

Learning Objective

I can solve word problems that involve adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.

Key Concepts

Shelagh is 15 and 1/2 years old, and Luana is 7 and 7/12 years old.

To subtract mixed numbers, you can convert them to improper fractions and find a common denominator.

The difference in Shelagh and Luana's ages is 7 and 11/12 years.

Practice Questions

This lesson includes 12 practice questions to reinforce learning.

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1. What is the first step in solving a word problem that involves adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

2. Why is it important to have a common denominator when adding or subtracting fractions?

3. What is the least common multiple (LCM) and why is it important when finding a common denominator?

...and 9 more questions

Educational Video

Subtracting mixed numbers word problem | Fractions | Pre-Algebra | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

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