Adding & Subtracting Fractions

Maths: Year 3 & 4 National Curriculum, topic 5.4.2

Adding and Subtracting Fractions With the Same Denominator

When we add or subtract fractions, we must make sure the denominator of both fractions is the same.

E.g.1 Same denominator

E.g.1 Same denominator

If the denominator of both fractions is already the same we simply add or subtract the numerators.

E.g.2 Same denominator

E.g.2 Same denominator

$What is $$\frac{4}{5} - \frac{1}{5}$$?$

What is $\frac{4}{5} - \frac{1}{5}$ ?

The denominators are the same so we just need to subtract the numerators (4 − 1 = 3).
Keep the denominator the same.

Test yourself on Adding & Subtracting Fractions

Which of the following additions or subtractions of fractions are correct?
Which of the following additions or subtractions of fractions are correct?
What is $\frac{2}{5} - \frac{1}{5}$ ?
What is $\frac{4}{11} + \frac{6}{11}$ ?

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