The note
How schools teach it now
To add or subtract, schools make the denominators the same first (equivalent fractions), often drawn as bar models. Year 6 multiplies fractions (top × top, bottom × bottom) and divides a fraction by a whole number (1/3 ÷ 2 = 1/6).
5-minute kitchen-table activity
Fold strips of paper into halves, quarters and eighths and label them. Which pieces match exactly? Use them to show 1/2 + 1/4 = 3/4, then use a measuring jug to check with water.
Worked example
Work out 2 1/3 + 1 3/4.
- Add the wholes: 2 + 1 = 3.
- Make the fractions twelfths: 1/3 = 4/12 and 3/4 = 9/12.
- 4/12 + 9/12 = 13/12 = 1 1/12.
- 3 + 1 1/12 = 4 1/12.
Answer: 4 1/12
Common mistakes to watch for
- Adding the tops and the bottoms: 1/3 + 1/4 is not 2/7.
- Leaving an answer unsimplified, e.g. 6/8 instead of 3/4.
- Dropping the whole number when working with mixed numbers.
Encouragement
- Try saying
- “Can we make the bottom numbers match first?”
- Rather than
- “Just add them, it's easy.”