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Fractions · Grade 4

Adding Fractions Worksheets With Like Denominators

Add the number of equal-sized parts while keeping the size of each part unchanged. Some sums are greater than one; the answer key shows simplified fractions.

12 problemsAnswer key includedFree printableA4 & US Letter
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Why does the denominator stay the same?

Ava colors two eighths of a strip green and three more eighths gold. She writes 2/8 + 3/8 = 5/16. The five colored pieces are right, but the strip was never divided into sixteen equal parts.

One whole, divided into 8 equal parts

2/8 + 3/8 = 5/8

The denominator names the size of the parts: eighths. The numerator counts how many of those parts we have. Combining two eighths and three eighths makes five eighths, just as combining two pencils and three pencils makes five pencils.

Check the whole before adding

Both fractions must refer to the same-sized whole. Two eighths of a large strip and three eighths of a much smaller strip do not form five eighths of either strip. In these numerical exercises, the fractions use the same whole and have matching denominators.

  1. Check that the denominators match.
  2. Add the numerators and keep the common denominator.
  3. Simplify the fraction if the numerator and denominator share a factor.

A sum can be greater than one

Three fourths plus three fourths makes six fourths. That is 6/4 = 3/2, or 1 1/2. The answer key uses the simplified improper fraction 3/2. An equivalent mixed number is also correct.

If the child adds both denominators: return to the strip and count its equal divisions. Ask whether putting more colored pieces together changed the size of an eighth.

The selected practice uses denominators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12. It does not ask children to find unlike denominators or convert between different wholes. Those are different skills and should not be mixed into this set.

Make a practice set

Choose what to print. Selecting both shows the answer key on screen and prints the questions followed by the answers.

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After the practice

Compare equivalent values rather than the written form alone. For example, 6/8 and 3/4 name the same amount, although the instruction asks for the simplified form. If the child understands the sum but cannot simplify it, discuss common factors separately rather than reteaching the whole addition process.

More about fractions · Grade 4 worksheets

Grade 4 selected skill connection: 4.NF.B.3a. See the Common Core grade guidance. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.