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Fractions · Grade 4

Adding and Subtracting Fractions Word Problems With Like Denominators

Keep the unit whole visible when teaching fraction word problems.

4 problemsAnswer key includedPrintable worksheetA4 & US Letter
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Teaching notes for parents and teachers

How to teach it

Draw a one-foot reference strip. Show how like-sized pieces are joined or removed, then connect the drawing to the equation.

Example to work through together

Use the model below as you explain the example. Have your student point to the quantities as you discuss them.

3/8 + 7/8 = 10/8 = 5/4

Three eighth-foot parts and seven more eighth-foot parts make ten eighth-foot parts. Their size has not changed.

Each bar represents one foot. Ten shaded eighths cover one whole bar and two eighths of the next bar.

7/6 − 5/6 = 2/6 = 1/3

Check: 1/3 = 2/6, and 2/6 + 5/6 = 7/6.

Ask your student

What length does one whole represent in this story?

If your student needs help

If the student changes the denominator, return to the size of one fractional piece.

Make a practice set

Select the worksheet, answer key, or both. When both are selected, the answer key prints after the questions. Keep it separate if you want your student to work independently.

Print materials

After your student finishes

Ask the child to name the whole and the fractional unit before checking one equation. If the relationship is correct but the answer looks different from the key, compare the two values using a bar model or equivalent fractions. Use the calculation-only sets for more practice with the same-sized parts.

More about fractions · Grade 4 worksheets

Grade 4 selected skill connection: 4.NF.B.3.d (like-denominator addition and subtraction in length contexts). See the Common Core standards for this grade. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.