Grade 5 · Math · Lesson 11

Add and Subtract Fractions (Like Denominators)

Two fractions have like denominators when their bottom numbers are exactly the same. Like denominators mean every piece is the same size, so you can add or subtract by simply counting pieces — no resizing needed. The denominator never changes; only the numerators move.

What this lesson teaches

1Add two fractions that share a like denominator by adding only the numerators
2Subtract two fractions that share a like denominator by subtracting only the numerators
3Keep the denominator unchanged in any like-denominator addition or subtraction
4Simplify the answer to lowest terms when the result can be reduced

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