Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.

Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.

Objective

I can add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators, including simplifying the resulting fraction.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Khan Academy · 7:23Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by Khan Academy on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    To add fractions with unlike denominators, you must first find a common denominator by determining the least common multiple of the original denominators.

  2. 2

    Once a common denominator is found, rewrite each fraction with the new denominator by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the same factor.

  3. 3

    After adding the fractions, simplify the result if possible by finding a common factor of the numerator and denominator and dividing both by it.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

9 questions

1

What is the first step in adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

2

Explain how to find the least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers.

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Solve: ⅚ - ⅜. Show all steps, including finding a common denominator and simplifying your answer.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

    Ready to present

We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.

Teaching a group at a different level?

Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.

Adapt This Lesson