Examples of what pupils should know and be able to do
Know addition and subtraction facts for simple fractions, involving halves, quarters and eighths.
Add and subtract simple fractions with the same denominator.
- FTM(S) Y789 p. 66 - Acrobat pdf document (28Kb)
- Missing fraction test question - Rtf (rich text format) document (16Kb)
- Fractions test question - Rtf (rich text format) document (74Kb)
- Unit fractions test question - Rtf (rich text format) document (162Kb)
Probing questions
Why isn't 
+ 
= 
?
Why is it important to have a common denominator when adding and subtracting fractions?
How does this work link with equivalent fractions?
What if pupils find this a barrier?
A common misconception is for pupils to add numerators and denominators. It can be helpful to work orally, e.g. saying 'one third plus one third'.
It is important that pupils understand why the denominators need to be the same when adding and subtracting fractions.
Use practical examples where possible: cakes, pizzas, etc.
Use fractions of time, e.g. hour + hour is the same as hour.
Use Fractions ITP - Zip file (457Kb) as a visual image.
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