Introduction

Adding fractions involves finding a common denominator and then adding the numerators together. It is important to understand the concept of fractions and how to find a common denominator before attempting to add fractions.

Steps to Add Fractions

Here are the steps to add fractions:

Find a common denominator for the fractions if they are different.
Add the numerators of the fractions together.
Simplify the resulting fraction, if necessary.

Example

Let's add the fractions 1/4 and 3/8.

Step 1: Find a common denominator. The common denominator for 4 and 8 is 8.

Step 2: Convert 1/4 to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 8. 1/4 = 2/8.

Step 3: Add the numerators together. 2/8 + 3/8 = 5/8.

Step 4: The resulting fraction 5/8 is already in the simplest form.

Study Guide

When adding fractions, it is crucial to find a common denominator so that the fractions can be added correctly. Here are some key points to remember:

Always find the common denominator before adding fractions.
If the fractions have the same denominator, simply add the numerators together and keep the denominator unchanged.
If the fractions have different denominators, find a common denominator and then add the numerators together.
After adding the fractions, simplify the resulting fraction if needed.

Practice adding fractions with different denominators to strengthen your understanding of the concept. Mastering the skill of adding fractions will be beneficial in higher-level math and everyday problem-solving.

◂Math Worksheets and Study Guides Fifth Grade. Adding Fractions

Create And Print more Fractions worksheets with Comparing Fractions, Equivalent Fractions, and Simplifying Fractions

The resources above cover the following skills:

Number and Operations (NCTM)

Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems.

Develop understanding of fractions as parts of unit wholes, as parts of a collection, as locations on number lines, and as divisions of whole numbers.

Compute fluently and make reasonable estimates.

Use visual models, benchmarks, and equivalent forms to add and subtract commonly used fractions and decimals.

Algebra (NCTM)

Use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships.

Model problem situations with objects and use representations such as graphs, tables, and equations to draw conclusions.

Connections to the Grade 5 Focal Points (NCTM)

Algebra: Students use patterns, models, and relationships as contexts for writing and solving simple equations and inequalities. They create graphs of simple equations. They explore prime and composite numbers and discover concepts related to the addition and subtraction of fractions as they use factors and multiples, including applications of common factors and common multiples. They develop an understanding of the order of operations and use it for all operations.

Adding Fractions

Introduction

Steps to Add Fractions

Example

Study Guide