Fractions
Subtract fractions with the same denominator
Subtract amounts expressed in the same fractional unit, then simplify the difference without changing its value.
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Visual fraction subtraction
Use equal-part models to remove a fractional amount and connect the remaining parts to a subtraction equation.
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Read the starting fraction and the fraction to subtract. Use the model to track the removed and remaining equal parts, then write the difference. When the second fraction has no model, use its written value to determine how many parts to remove.
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Customize this worksheetLearning objective
What this activity builds
Interpret subtraction as removing a stated number of like fractional units from an initial amount.
Worked example
A model shows 5/6. What remains after subtracting 2/6?
3/6, which is equivalent to 1/2.
Five sixth-sized parts minus two sixth-sized parts leaves three. Three of the six equal parts occupy half of the whole.
Teaching notes
Make the practice count
- Name the initial amount before marking any parts as removed.
- Distinguish the removed region from the unselected part of the original whole.
- Discuss an equivalent simplified answer alongside the fraction counted directly from the model.
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