WorksheetsAbout this worksheet
Four kinds of fraction practice. Add and Subtract use fractions with the same denominator, so only the numerators change. Simplify asks for the lowest form, for example 6/8 = 3/4. Compare puts two fractions side by side, often with different denominators.
What this skill is
A fraction names equal parts of a whole. The bottom number, the denominator, tells into how many equal parts the whole is cut. The top number, the numerator, tells how many of those parts are taken. A fraction can be written in many ways without changing its size: 1/2, 2/4 and 5/10 are the same amount. The simplest form uses the smallest numbers.
A worked example
Add 5/8 + 7/8.
- The denominators are the same, so add the numerators: 5 + 7 = 12. The sum is 12/8.
- Simplify: 4 divides both 12 and 8, giving 3/2.
- 3/2 is more than a whole. As a mixed number it is 1 1/2.
Compare 3/4 and 5/7. Cross multiply: 3 × 7 = 21 and 4 × 5 = 20. Since 21 is more than 20, 3/4 is the bigger fraction.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Same denominator: add or subtract the top numbers and keep the bottom number. The size of the pieces does not change.
- To simplify, divide the top and the bottom by the same number until no number divides both.
- To compare fractions with different denominators, cross multiply, or change both to the same denominator.
- The answer key gives answers in simplest form, with improper fractions also shown as mixed numbers.
How to use this sheet at home and in class
- At home: fold a strip of paper into 8 equal parts and shade 5, then 7 more on a second strip. The child sees why the answer passes one whole.
- In class: teach the four types on different days. "Simplify" should come before "Compare", because comparing often ends with simplifying.
- Ask for answers in simplest form from the first day. The answer page shows them that way, so marking stays easy.
Mistakes to watch for
- Adding the denominators as well: 5/8 + 7/8 = 12/16. The size of the parts, eighths, does not change when you put parts together.
- Stopping halfway when simplifying: 12/8 becomes 6/4 and is left there. Keep dividing until only 1 divides both numbers.
- Thinking a bigger denominator means a bigger fraction. 1/8 is smaller than 1/4, because the whole is cut into more pieces.
What to try next
- HCF and LCM worksheets: the HCF simplifies a fraction in one step.
- Decimals worksheets: fractions with 10 or 100 below.
- Percentage worksheets: fractions out of a hundred.
Ready settings by class
Common questions
What are like fractions?
Fractions with the same denominator, such as 2/7 and 4/7. They can be added or subtracted directly.