For example, what is 2 6 + 4 3 ?

1 4 + 2 4 3 4 = You have already learned how to add fractions with common denominators such as: We can see this modeled using fraction bars: Because the denominators are already the same common denominator, we can just add the numerators!

1 4 1 4 + + 1 2 2 4 2 4 3 4 = = When adding and subtracting fractions, students think they should add the numerators and keep the largest denominator As you can see, we use the common denominator and then add the numerators only!

1 6 1 6 = + 1 2 3 6 = 4 6 = We have 1/6 and ½ let’s see that modeled. Our fraction bars are the same size. Can you think of a way to make the fraction bars so that they are divided up into the same amount of pieces? Yes. We can add our dividers so that the fraction bar for ½ is now sectioned into six pieces. This makes our denominator 6 and our numerator 3. in order to add or subtract something, the pieces must be the same size our common denominator will be 6. We convert our ½ to 3/6 Now we can add the numerators of our equivalent fractions 1 + 3 = 4 and keep the denominator the same.

2 6 2 6 = + 4 3 8 6 = 10 6 = We have 2/6 and 4/3 let’s see that modeled. Our fraction bars are the same size. Can you think of a way to make the fraction bars so that they are divided up into the same amount of pieces? Yes. We can add our dividers so that the fraction bar for 4/3 is now sectioned into six pieces. This makes our denominator 6 and our numerator 8. in order to add or subtract something, the pieces must be the same size our common denominator will be 6. We convert our improper fraction 4/3 to 8/6 Now we can add the numerators of our equivalent fractions 2 + 8 = 10 and keep the denominator the same. Our answer is an improper fraction that we can convert to a mixed mumber 1 4/6 or leave as 10/6.

2 12 2 12 = + 2 4 6 12 = 8 12 =

Create an addition fraction problem Create an addition fraction problem. Solve the problem and model your answer using fraction bars. Create an addition fraction problem. Solve the problem and model your answer using fraction bars and number lines. Write out your reasoning for your solutions.

What is 1 2 + 2 4 ? What is 4 3 + 2 6 ?