Add and Subtract Fractions Using Diagrams

In this activity, we will learn how to add and subtract fractions using diagrams and images.

 

Let's take a look at these stars to try an addition problem.

 

 

There are 6 stars altogether. 

We can write this as 6/6, six sixths or one whole group.

 

3 of them are red.

So 3 out of 6 are red.

We could write this as 3/6 or three sixths.

 

1 is green.

So, 1 out of 6 is green.

We could write this as 1/6 or one sixth.

 

2 are yellow.

So, 2 out of 6 are yellow.

We can write this as 2/6 or two sixths.

 

How many stars are red or green?

 

We can do an addition to work this out:

 

 

So, four sixths of the stars are red or green.

 

 

Now let's try a subtraction problem.

 

George has a chocolate bar.

 

 

The chocolate bar has eight pieces. 

 

George eats 2 pieces.

 

What fraction of the chocolate bar is left?

 

We can use this subtraction calculation to work out what fraction is left.

 

 

George still has 6/8 of the bar left to eat.

 

 

Now it's time for you to try some of these yourself.