Unlock the secrets of subtracting fractions with unlike denominators with our latest blog post, the fifth article in our comprehensive eleven-part series!
This post includes five sample problems to enhance your child’s understanding right from the start.
Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, like 2/3 – 1/4, can be very confusing. Many children struggle with this concept, leading to gaps in their understanding. Without proper instruction on illustrating the subtraction process, they often feel lost and frustrated, making it difficult for them to keep up in more advanced math classes. This confusion can undermine their confidence and impede their academic progress.
The Problem: Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators is often challenging for children, leaving them with a limited understanding.
This lack of understanding can cause frustration and confusion, especially as they progress to higher levels of mathematics. Without a solid grasp of this concept, children may find it hard to succeed in more advanced math classes, which can affect their overall academic performance and confidence.
The Solution: The solution lies in learning to illustrate the subtraction process. In our blog post, your child will:
- Learn to Illustrate Subtraction: Visual models help clarify the process of subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.
- Build a Strong Foundation: Step-by-step lessons ensure your child thoroughly understands each concept.
- Achieve Long-term Success: A solid grasp of fractions is crucial for future mathematical success.
Visit our website (https://www.teachersdungeon.com/) for a comprehensive educational program designed to help kids become proficient in mathematics. By mastering these concepts, your child will gain a deeper, more concrete understanding of subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, paving the way for a successful educational journey. Don’t miss out on this valuable resource—empower your child’s learning today!
Articles within this series on Fractions:
- How to do fractions, Free Online Tutoring in Math for Understanding Fractions
- How to Add Fractions (like 4/7 + 3/7 )
- How to Subtract Fractions (like 8/9 – 4/9 )
- How to Add Fractions with Unlike Denominators (like 2/3 + 3/4 )
- How to Subtract Fractions with Unlike Denominators (like 2/3 – 1/4)
- How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers (like 2 & 3/4 + 3 & 5/6 )
- How to Subtract Fractions that are Mixed Numbers (like 3 & 3/4 – 2 & 5/6)
- How to Multiply Fractions (like 2/3 x 5 )
- How to Divide Fractions (like 6 ÷ ¾ )
- How to Multiply Fractions (like 2/3 x 1/4)
- How to Divide Fractions (like ½ ÷ ¼)
Solving problems that deal with fractions is simple when you develop a concrete understanding. I have had incredible results with with the students in my class! The strategies taught within this article work with children who have ADHD, Dyslexia, and other learning disabilities. Virtually every one of my students who has learned the strategies within this HOW TO DO FRACTIONS article has passed the standards based assessment for adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions.
I have scaffold the problems in each lesson.
The first problem in this article is a “Watch Me” problem. The second is a “Work with Me” problem. All the rest are “On Your Own” problems.
*If your child needs a bit more support, they should complete the “On Your Own” problems as a “Work with Me” problem. I have a number of students with gaps in their learning and others with a variety of learning disabilities. I have had incredible success, by having those students complete 5 to 7 problems within each lesson as a “Work with Me” problem. They play a bit of the video, then pause it and copy, then watch a bit more, pause it and copy. My students Play – Pause – and Copy until the entire problem is solved. This is like having a personal tutor working through each and every problem with your child. Every one of my students who has used this strategy has passed the Common Core Proficiency Exam.
How to Subtract Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 1
Watch Me
Geraldine the Day Dreaming Giraffe
Geraldine the Giraffe is a day dreamer. She day dreams most of the day away, while other giraffes are busy stretching their necks to the high branches for food. Geraldine walks around day dreaming about her boyfriend Gary. By the end of the day, she will be very hungry and will have to scramble to get enough food.
There is only 2/3 of the day remaining. If Geraldine day dreams for another 1/4 of a day, how much of the day will be left for her to eat?
Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!
Press PLAY and Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video below. Then copy these strategies into your notes!
How to Subtract Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 2
Work With Me
Larry The Llama
Larry the Llama may look like a relaxed fella, but he is actually a top ranked runner in the llama community. He races around his yard faster than any other llama in his herd. Today is the annual llama race. The course is 5/6 of a mile long. Larry races as fast as he can for 3/4 of a mile.
How much further does Larry have to run and stay ahead of the herd in order to win the race?
Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!
Gather your materials and press PLAY. We’ll solve this problem together, while you watch the math tutorial video below.
Do your children get frustrated when they make a mistake?
We all make mistakes. As a matter of fact, making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process. This is why at the end of each of the following “On Your Own” challenges I encourage children to fix their mistakes. Finding and fixing your own mistake is the fastest way to learn.
How to Subtract Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 3
On Your Own
Banana Gobbling Gorilla
You are on safari in Africa. As the jeep drives past a group of gorillas, you notice that one of them is gobbling a bunch of bananas. He rips one from the stalk, but part of the banana stays on the stalk and part is in the gorilla’s hand. The gorilla is holding 6/7 of the banana in his hand. He bends his head forward and gobbles 2/3 of the banana.
How much of the banana does this Gobbling Gorilla have left to eat?
Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!
Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below. Good Luck!
How to Subtract Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 4
On Your Own
Doggie Shoe Thief
Your parents just bought you a puppy. He is tiny, fluffy, and adorable. Unfortunately, he is also a thief. Yes – your brand new puppy steals shoes. He rips them off of people’s feet as they walk past.
The lady in the photo above has shoes that slip partway off her feet each time she takes a step. She walks past your pup and her shoe slips a little. Now only 5/6 of her foot is covered by her shoe. Your puppy launched himself toward her shoe. He gripped it and pulls the shoe another 2/3 of the way off.
How much of the shoe is left on the lady’s foot?
Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!
Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below. Good Luck!
How to Subtract Fractions with Uncommon Denominators
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 5
On Your Own
Skateboard Sam
Skateboard Sam is on a quest. He wants to the the first 6-year old to ride his skateboard the entire length of Gopher Road. Gopher Road got its name, because there are thousands of gophers on both sides to the road. Skateboard Sam loves riding his skateboard, while the gophers stand on their hind legs and watch him roll past. Gopher Road is 4/5 of a mile long. Skateboard Sam has rolled for 3/4 of a mile.
How much further must Skateboard Sam ride his skateboard in order to accomplish his quest?
Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!
Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below. Good Luck!
Want More Tutorials?
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