September | Lesson 1 | Adding and Subtracting

Fractions Workbook

Adding and Subtracting

Fractions Workbook
September | Lesson 1

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 September | Lesson 1 | Adding and Subtracting
Fractions Workbook

Equivalent Fractions
Equivalent fractions are two or more fractions that are the exact same even though they have different
numerators and denominators.
For example, observe the diagram below, how many quarters would have to be shaded in order to be
equivalent to one half?

Write down equivalent fractions for the following

! % (
, , , &
" &' )

Can you represent the equivalent fraction for & on a diagram?

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 September | Lesson 1 | Adding and Subtracting
Fractions Workbook

Adding Fractions
Adding fractions are simple when the denominators are the same…
& (
Find + , simplifying your answer, use the diagram for support
* *

& &
If the denominators are different, what is our strategy? For example, find + . Use the diagram for support.
! ,

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 September | Lesson 1 | Adding and Subtracting
Fractions Workbook

To add or subtract fractions, we must find a common denominator first. To do this, we think about the
multiplication tables for each denominator.

Calculate the following sums

& ,
a)
)
+ !&

% &&
b)
&'
− ('

) "
c)
%
−*

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 September | Lesson 1 | Adding and Subtracting
Fractions Workbook

Ok let’s do some harder problems…

Calculate the following sums:

& " &
a)
,
+(−*

" & & &

b)
.
+ " − / ( + ,0

1 2
c)
!
+(

"
In a year * class, are girls
&&

What fraction are boys?

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 September | Lesson 1 | Adding and Subtracting
Fractions Workbook

Kiss’n’Smile Method
There is a way to add/subtract fractions that requires less thinking about common multiples. Essentially the
common denominator is found by just multiplying the denominators together, this way you always have a
number that sits in both multiplication tables.

& (
Find + . What are the disadvantages to this method?
. *

Using this method, find the sum of the following:

. (
a)
)
−,

( (
b)
"
+)

& &
c)
!
+3

What are the advantages to this method?

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 September | Lesson 1 | Adding and Subtracting
Fractions Workbook

Mixed and Improper Fractions

When we do calculations involving fractions, it is much easier if we work with improper fractions. Particularly
when subtracting.

%
a) Convert into a mixed number.
,

&
b) Convert ! into an improper fraction.
!

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 September | Lesson 1 | Adding and Subtracting
Fractions Workbook

Find the following sums. Leave your answer as a mixed fraction where necessary.
! &
a) ( +
" ,

& "
b) ! − &
( .

" !
c) , + !"
&!

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 September | Lesson 1 | Adding and Subtracting
Fractions Workbook

"
John has an Amazon package that contains a PS", a tomato, and an iPhone "! that in total, weighs " kg. The
)
& &
weight of the box is & kg and the iPhone "! is kg. What is the total weight of the PS" and tomato?
(" "

Neil is going to measure the length of some objects along his wall. There are two objects that make up the
)
total space along his wall, his bench press and bed. The length of his wall is "m and his bed is ! m. What
&'
fraction of the wall is made up by the bench press?

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 September | Lesson 1 | Adding and Subtracting
Fractions Workbook

Find the perimeter of this rectangle

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