Adding and Subtracting Fractions Lesson Plan

Lesson Title:Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Lesson Objective: Students will be able to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator and understand the concept of finding a common denominator for fractions with different denominators.

Materials:

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Fraction strips or manipulative
  • Worksheets for practice
  • Calculator (if needed)

    • Introduction (10 minutes): Begin the lesson by reviewing the concept of fractions. Write the fraction 3/4 on the board and ask the students to identify the numerator and denominator. Explain that the numerator represents the number of parts being considered, and the denominator represents the number of parts in the whole. Next, write the fraction 1/2 on the board and ask the students how they would add or subtract it from 3/4. (They should understand that they need a common denominator.)

    Direct Instruction (20 minutes): Using the fraction strips or manipulative, demonstrate how to find a common denominator for fractions with different denominators. Write the fractions 3/4 and 1/2 on the board and show how to find a common denominator of 4 by multiplying the denominator of 1/2 by 2. (3/4 + 2/4 = 5/4) Explain that when fractions have the same denominator, we can simply add or subtract the numerators and write the answer with the same denominator.

    Guided Practice (20 minutes): Distribute the worksheets and have the students practice adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator on their own. Walk around the room and assist as needed.

    Independent Practice (20 minutes): Provide the students with a set of mixed fractions with different denominators and have them find the common denominator and add or subtract them.

    Closure (10 minutes): Have the students share one thing they learned about adding and subtracting fractions during the lesson.

    Assessment: Monitor the students during independent practice and provide feedback. Collect and grade the worksheets for accuracy.

    Note:

  • You can adjust the time and activities according to your students’ level and need.
  • Encourage students to ask questions and provide opportunities for them to explore and discover the concepts.
  • This is a general lesson plan and you should adjust it according to the resources available in your class and school.
  • If your students are having difficulty with the concept of finding common denominator, you can use a calculator to find the least common multiple (LCM) and use that as the common denominator.