MathPractice
Fractions · Grade 4

Add and subtract like fractions

When the denominators match, the parts have the same size. Add or subtract the number of those parts.

Grade 48 questions per setNo account needed
Practice 8 questions Download worksheet

US Letter PDF · A4 version · Answer key

What we’re working onAdd and subtract fractions with like denominators, including results greater than one.

First page of the Add and subtract like fractions worksheet, with visible questions and room to work.Open worksheet PDF · 8 questions · US Letter
See how it works

Worked examples

Example 1

Add past one whole

Find 5/6 + 3/6.

  1. Both fractions count sixths.
  2. Five sixths plus three sixths is eight sixths.
  3. Eight sixths contains one whole and two more sixths. The sum can be greater than 1.

5/6 + 3/6 = 8/6 = 4/3

Example 2

Take away equal-size parts

Find 7/8 − 3/8.

  1. Start with seven eighths.
  2. Remove three of those eighths.
  3. Four eighths remain. Four of eight equal parts make one half.

7/8 − 3/8 = 4/8 = 1/2

A question from this worksheet

Find 2/4 + 3/4.

See the explanation

5/4

2/4 + 3/4 = 2/4 + 3/4 = 5/4 = 1 1/4.

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Each set has eight questions. The online practice and prepared worksheet use the same questions.

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For the grown-up beside them

Help the thinking along.

A useful question

What size are the parts? How many do we have after joining or removing them?

What to look for

The learner keeps the denominator, counts the parts, and notices when the total crosses a whole.

A common sticking point

Adding or subtracting the denominators, changing the size of the parts.

Help without giving the answer

Label each piece with its unit fraction. Ask whether joining the pieces makes each individual piece smaller.

Keep the words clear

Words in this skill.

like denominators
Denominators that are the same.
sum
The amount after adding.
difference
The result of subtracting.
unit fraction
One part of a stated size, such as 1/8.
hundredth
One of 100 equal parts of one whole, written 1/100.

What these sets cover.

  • Start with totals no greater than 1, then include totals greater than 1.
  • Subtraction results are zero or positive.
  • Use the same reference whole for both fractions.
  • When the denominator is 100, ten hundredths make one tenth and one hundred hundredths make one whole.

Common questions

Why do we keep the denominator?

We are counting the same kind of part before and after the operation. Combining sixths gives more sixths; it does not turn them into twelfths.

Can the numerator be larger than the denominator?

Yes. It means the counted parts make more than one whole. An equivalent fraction remains correct unless a particular form is requested.

What happens when I add or subtract hundredths?

Keep counting hundredths: 65/100 + 58/100 = 123/100, which is more than one whole. Also, 70/100 − 35/100 = 35/100 = 7/20. The answer may have another denominator when it is renamed; its value stays the same.

Try next

Mixed numbers: like denominators

Next, connect fractions greater than one to mixed numbers and regroup a whole when needed.

Explore this skill

Related standards: 4.NF.3. These materials focus on this skill, not every part of a grade-level curriculum. How we check materials.