Lesson for Adding and Subtracting Fractions Using Equivalent Fractions

This is a ready to use lesson for adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. This lesson is based on 5th grade skills and is a 35 slide PowerPoint. The lesson shows students how to use equivalent fractions and also uses circle fractions to model the concept.

The lesson begins with students practicing finding equivalent fractions and then builds on this skill to incorporate addition of fractions. Circle fraction models are used to illustrate why fractions without a common denominator can't be added until a common denominator is used. Several examples are given and the procedure for finding a common denominator with equivalent fractions is show step by step. Students are then asked to try one on their own.

Next students are show 2 examples of the same procedure except for subtraction of fractions. Students are then asked to try 2 on their own. Students are given a final problem that can be used as an exit ticket. The last slide has a summary of the lesson. Slides with answers to all practice problems are include throughtout the lesson.

This lesson aligns with the Common Core Standard 5.NF.A.1 except mixed numbers are not inlcuded. This lesson is for conceptual understanding of the skill.