Name: ________________________
Dear Parent / Carer,
This half term our maths targets are focusing on addition and subtraction facts. Please find below your
child’s target level. Any additional practise that you are able to do with them at home is greatly appreciated.
For your information, we have also included the next target level at the bottom of the page.
Thank you for your continued support,
6 - Add and subtract fractions by writing them with a common denominator
Your child should be relatively confident in finding equivalent fractions by multiplying the numerator
and denominator by a number
e.g. 4/7 = 12/21 (multiply the numerator and denominator by 3)
They should understand that this is a good way to add or subtract two different fractions.
e.g. What is 2/3 + 1/9?
Convert the fractions so they have a common denominator. Ask your child which fraction they
should convert and to what common denominator. In this instance, it makes sense to convert 2/3
into 6/9. Now they are easier to add: 6/9 + 1/9 = 7/9
The same method can be applied when subtracting:
e.g. What is 5/8 – ¼?
Convert ¼ into 2/8. Now subtract 2/8 from 5/8 = 3/8
For more complicated questions, look at fractions that both need converting to a common
denominator:
e.g. What is 4/5 + 5/6?
You child should look for the lowest common denominator. In this case it would be /30.
4/5 = 24/30
5/6 = 25/30
Now they can be added: 49/30
To further extend, convert into a mixed number fraction: 49/30 = 1 and 19/30