Parent Guide
Math Grade 4 Unit 3
Adding and Subtracting
Fractions
“I Can” Help My Student




I can use mixed numbers and improper numbers
interchangeably. (NF.3c)
I can add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers in
more than one way. (NF.3a/b/c)
I can add and subtract mixed numbers and improper
fractions with like denominators. (NF.3c)
I can solve word problems by adding and subtracting
fractions with like denominators, using drawings,
pictures, and equations. (NF.3d)
Key Words to Know








Fraction: A number used to name a part of a group or a part of
a whole.
Denominator: The bottom portion of a fraction that tells the
number of equal parts need for a whole.
Numerator: The top portion of a fraction explaining the
number of parts being
considered.
Equivalent Fractions: Two or
more fractions that name the
same value, but have different
denominators and numerators.
Improper fraction: A fraction
with its numerator greater to or
equal to its denominator
Mixed number: A number that
has a whole number and fraction part.
Unit fraction: A fraction with 1 as the numerator and any
positive whole number as the denominator.
Whole number: Any number that is greater than zero and not
divided into parts.
What your student should know & do at home
Important Understandings and Concepts
What should my student already know before I begin…
• Able to determine the parts of a fraction and use a fraction to describe
a part of a whole.
• Able to find equivalent fractions.
• Able to represent simple fractions on a number line.
Learning at a Glance
 Expressing fraction addition using a number line as a model:
 Writing mixed numbers as improper fractions, and vice versa.
 Using a model to represent how fraction addition can result in one whole.
Math Grade 4 Unit 3
Adding and Subtracting
Fractions
Sample Problems

While solving the problem
following strategies:
Parent Guide
What your student should know & do at home
How Can You Help Your Student?
Interactive Learning Lessons
students could use the
Scholastic video about adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators:
+
http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/math/fractions/add-sub-commondenom.htm
YouTube videos about adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMJZXKRhEzE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJjnEau6aeI
LearnZillion websites with interactive lessons, including practice sets at the end.


Solve the following two problems using both picture models and
number line diagrams.

Part A. 1/8 + 1/8 = m
Part B. 5/6 – 3/6 = d
Adding fractions: http://learnzillion.com/lessons/1421-add-fractions-by-joiningparts
Subtracting fractions: http://learnzillion.com/lessons/1422-subtract-fractions-byseparating-parts
Interactive Learning Games
Websites for interactive practice solving story problems with fractions with like
denominators:
Recommended Children’s Literature
Fraction Fun
Fractions are Parts of Things
By: David Adler
By: J. Richard Dennis

http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-4/add-and-subtract-fractions-with-likedenominators-word-problems

http://www.mathplayground.com/wpdatabase/wpindex.html

Playing games is a wonderful way to practice skills at home in a fun environment.
Stack-n-Pack books contain several math games covering math concepts from
Kindergarten through High School. Stack-n-Pack card games may be checked out
from your school (contact your school’s Parent Liaison) or purchased online: Stackn-Pack Mathematics Card Games for K-HS .
Stack-n-Pack Grades 3 – 5: Multiplication Facts Game
