Week 08 · Add and subtract fractions
Number Hunt
Number Hunt
// Join and take away parts of the same whole
⏱ about 15 min
Saturday: Number Hunt
Donnie and Bennie walk slowly through the kitchen garden with a notebook.
"Today we hunt for fractions we can add," says Donnie softly.
"Measuring cups, fence boards and window panes are all split into equal parts."
Bennie adds, "Look for two parts of the same whole. Then add them."
"If you find a mixed number, add the wholes first," he says.
Donnie nods. "Slow and careful is the best way to hunt."
Hunt for fractions to add
Look around your home or yard with a grown-up.
Find things split into equal parts.
Write an addition or subtraction sentence with fractions.
Try it: Number Hunt
With a grown-up, fill a measuring cup with 1/4 cup of water, then 2/4 more.
How much water is in the cup now?
Count the boards in a fence or the panes in a window. Name two parts as fractions.
Add the two parts. Do they make the whole?
How much water is in the cup now?
Count the boards in a fence or the panes in a window. Name two parts as fractions.
Add the two parts. Do they make the whole?
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
- Read the question.
- Tap your answer.
Donnie pours 1/4 cup of water, then 2/4 cup more. How much water?1 5/8 + 2 4/8 = ?
3 - 1 1/3 = ?
◇ FRACTION STEPS WITH A GROWN-UP
Pick a denominator together: 4, 6 or 8.
Each of you picks a fraction with that denominator.
Add your two fractions. Rename it as a mixed number if you can.
Then subtract the smaller one from the larger one.
Take turns three times and check each other.
Each of you picks a fraction with that denominator.
Add your two fractions. Rename it as a mixed number if you can.
Then subtract the smaller one from the larger one.
Take turns three times and check each other.
Draw one thing you found and write a fraction sentence about it.
For a grown-up
This week your child added and subtracted fractions with the same denominator.
They broke fractions into unit fractions, like 5/8 = 1/8 + 1/8 + 3/8.
They added and subtracted mixed numbers, trading a whole for parts when needed.
Ask them why the denominator stays the same when we add.
They broke fractions into unit fractions, like 5/8 = 1/8 + 1/8 + 3/8.
They added and subtracted mixed numbers, trading a whole for parts when needed.
Ask them why the denominator stays the same when we add.
Great hunting! Next week Rosie the Rabbit helps us multiply fractions.