Fraction Operations

Lesson 6

Math

Unit 5

4th Grade

Lesson 6 of 21

Objective


Add and subtract fractions that require regrouping where the total is less than 2.

Common Core Standards


Core Standards

  • 4.NF.B.3.A — Understand addition and subtraction of fractions as joining and separating parts referring to the same whole.
  • 4.NF.B.3.C — Add and subtract mixed numbers with like denominators, e.g., by replacing each mixed number with an equivalent fraction, and/or by using properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.

Criteria for Success


  1. Estimate solutions when adding or subtracting fractions where the total is between 1 and 2. 
  2. Add fractions with like units that require regrouping where the total is less than 2 using a variety of methods, such as: 
    1. Using a number line, 
    2. Adding like units, regrouping where necessary, or
    3. Using mental strategies, such as making a whole. 
  3. Subtract fractions with like units that require regrouping where the total is less than 2 using a variety of methods, such as: 
    1. Using a number line, 
    2. Regrouping 1 whole in the minuend and then subtracting like units, or 
    3. Using mental strategies, such as going down over a whole. 
  4. (Optional) Simplify solutions by rewriting them using the largest possible unit.
  5. Assess the reasonableness of answers based on estimates (MP.1).

Tips for Teachers


  • Similar to Lesson 3, since it is possible to overemphasize the importance of simplifying fractions, the corresponding criteria for success and questions in the Anchor Tasks are optional. If you want the focus for today to solely be on adding and subtracting fractions that cross a whole, you may decide to cut this aspect of the lesson, but be sure to touch on the idea at some point in the unit.
  • “Calculations with mixed numbers provide opportunities for students to compare approaches and justify steps in their computations (MP.3)” (NF Progression, p. 13). While this lesson does not explicitly have students computing with mixed numbers, they will start to see a wider variety of methods to add and subtract fractions as they get larger in value, allowing them to construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others regarding the solution method (MP.3).
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Anchor Tasks

25-30 minutes


Problem 1

a.   Estimate whether the following sums will be more or less than 1. 

i.  $${{3\over4}+{2\over4}}$$

ii.  $${{5\over6}+{3\over6}}$$

b.   Solve for the actual sums in Part (a) above.

Guiding Questions

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Student Response

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Problem 2

Cary computes $$\frac{9}{10} + \frac4{10}$$ using a different strategy. Here is her reasoning:

“First I broke $$\frac4{10}$$ into $$\frac1{10}$$ and $$\frac3{10}$$. Then I added $$\frac9{10}$$ and $$\frac1{10}$$ to get to 1, then added the other $$\frac3{10}$$ to get $$1\frac3{10}$$.

So $$\frac{9}{10} + \frac4{10} = 1\frac3{10}$$."

a.   Is Cary’s calculation correct? Explain.

b.   Will Cary’s strategy always work? If not, give an example of a calculation for which Cary can’t use this strategy. 

c.   Use Cary’s strategy to find $$\frac45+\frac35$$.

Guiding Questions

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Student Response

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Problem 3

a.   Estimate whether the following differences will be more or less than 1.

i.  $${1{1\over3}-{2\over3}}$$

ii.  $${1{3\over8}-{5\over8}}$$

b.   Solve for the actual differences in Part (a) above.

Guiding Questions

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Student Response

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Problem 4

Corrado computes $$1\frac15 - \frac25$$ using a different strategy. Here is his reasoning:

“First I broke $$\frac25$$ into $$\frac15$$ and $$\frac15$$. Then I subtracted $$\frac15$$ from $$1\frac15$$ to get to 1, then subtracted the other $$\frac15$$ to get $$\frac45$$.

So $$1\frac15 - \frac25 = \frac45$$."

a.   Is Corrado’s calculation correct? Explain.

b.   Will Corrado’s strategy always work? If not, give an example of a calculation for which Corrado can’t use this strategy. 

c.   Use Corrado’s strategy to find $$1\frac2{12}-\frac5{12}$$.

Guiding Questions

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Student Response

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Problem Set

15-20 minutes


Discussion of Problem Set

  • What did Jaissa do to solve in #2? Why do you think she did that? 
  • What did Frederick do to solve in #4(a)? Why do you think he did that?
  • What did Helena do to solve in #4(b)? Why do you think she did that?
  • Of Jaissa’s, Frederick’s, and Helena’s strategies, which ones make the most sense to you? Which ones are you still struggling with making sense of? 
  • What strategies did you use to solve the problems in the Problem Set? Did you use the same strategy each time? 

Target Task

5-10 minutes


Problem 1

What is $$\frac{11}{12}+\frac{5}{12}$$?

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Student Response

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Problem 2

Solve. Show or explain your work.

$$1\frac{3}{8} - \frac{6}{8}=$$ _________

Student Response

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Additional Practice


The Extra Practice Problems can be used as additional practice for homework, during an intervention block, etc. Daily Word Problems and Fluency Activities are aligned to the content of the unit but not necessarily to the lesson objective, therefore feel free to use them anytime during your school day.

Word Problems and Fluency Activities

Word Problems and Fluency Activities

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Next

Add two fractions where one denominator is a multiple of the other using the denominators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12.

Lesson 7
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Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Topic A: Building, Adding, and Subtracting Fractions Less Than or Equal to 1

Topic B: Building, Adding, and Subtracting Fractions Less Than 2

Topic C: Building, Adding, and Subtracting Fractions Greater Than or Equal to 2

Topic D: Multiplication of Fractions

Topic E: Line Plots

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