Add and Subtract Fractions with the same Denominator

14 sets of progressive differentiated worksheets to ensure your students develop all the skills needed to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators. They combine 2 important areas of the Common Core 4th grade Math curriculum on fractions (4.NF.B.3.A and 4.NF.B.3.C) creating a smooth transition in the learning process from adding and subtracting fractions less than one to adding and subtracting mixed numbers, all with the same denominators.

The approach used here is as follows:

1. Firstly convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.
2. Perform the addition or subtraction, essentially with the numerators of the improper fractions.
3. Convert the resultant improper fraction back to a mixed number.

As you can see in the list below there are some important additional interim steps included to make the process complete:

• Set 1: Add 2 fractions with the sum < 1
• Set 2: Add 3 fractions with the sum < 1
• Set 3: Subtract with both fractions < 1
• Set 4: Numerical questions: Addition & subtraction, all fractions and answers < 1
• Set 5: Convert improper fractions to mixed numbers
• Set 6: Convert mixed fractions to improper fractions Part 1: Whole number = 1
• Set 7: Convert mixed fractions to improper fractions Part 2: Whole numbers from 1 to 4
• Set 8: Numerical questions: Convert mixed fractions to improper fractions
• Set 9: Add 2 fractions , each < 1 but their sum >1
• Set 10: Numerical questions: Add 2 or 3 fractions with sum > 1
• Set 11: Add 2 mixed numbers
• Set 12: Subtract mixed numbers
• Set 13: Numerical questions: Add 2 mixed numbers
• Set 14: Numerical questions: Subtract mixed numbers

All the above, except where it states ‘Numerical questions’ , use visual fraction models.

Within all of the sets you have a choice of the level of questions. For the worksheets with the visual fraction models, you can decide on 3 levels how much information to provide. For the Numerical questions there are 2 levels where the range of denominators used are different, and in set 13 & 14 the range of whole numbers.

A little reminder on each Worksheet
At the top of all the worksheets using the visual fraction model there is an example shown as a memory jogger and as a teaching tool if needed.

How many Worksheets are there in total ?
In principle almost unlimited. The 14 sets and the 2 or 3 levels within each set you have over 35 to choose from. BUT on top of that, at the click of a button numbers are randomised, so the questions change every time which allows you to create new worksheets at the same level for extra practice or revision throughout the year or even give groups of pupils in your class different sets of questions again all at the same level. The multiple levels of worksheets means that you can differentiate from the very start and have the freedom to set the pace of work that you deem is best for each student.