Grab a Set of Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators Worksheets

If your students have mastered the art of adding fractions with like denominators, it’s time to progress them in their fractions journey by teaching them how to add fractions with unlike denominators. Unlike denominators are tricky, as fractions cannot be added unless a common denominator is found! Thankfully, there are a variety of strategies your students can use when solving these types of equations.

To help your students learn and practise these strategies, the Teach Starter team has created this pack of adding fractions with unlike denominators worksheets. The worksheets include instructional pages designed to teach each strategy, as well as practice questions for students.

This comprehensive pack of worksheets covers the following key strategies:

1. Standard Algorithm
2. Number Lines
3. Fraction Strips

Answers are also included in the download.

Choose the worksheet that aligns with your current strategy focus or use the pack as a revision activity once all strategies have been covered in class.

This worksheet pack downloads as a printable PDF or an editable Google Slides file.

A Range of Strategies for Adding Unlike Fractions

This set of adding fractions with unlike denominators worksheets teaches students to use a variety of visual and written strategies when performing operations with fractions. Each strategy is a valuable addition to your students’ toolbelt. Here’s why:

1. Standard Algorithm – The standard algorithm offers a methodical approach to fractions equations. It depends heavily on knowledge of multiplication facts and emphasises the importance of accurate and speedy mental computation.
2. Number Lines – Number lines offer a pictorial representation of fractions and reinforce the important concept of fractions as points on a continuum.
3. Fraction Strips – Fraction strips also offer a visual representation of fractions and reinforce the concept of fractions as parts of a whole.

Download These Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators Worksheets

Use the dropdown menu on the Download button to access either the printable PDF or the editable Google Slides version of this resource. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides version to your personal drive before accessing it.)

As this resource contains answer sheets, we recommend printing one copy of the entire file. Then, remove the answer sheets and make photocopies of the worksheets as required.

This resource was created by Michael Bailey, a Teach Starter collaborator.

Looking for More Adding Fractions Resources?

If you’re looking for more teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources to use when teaching addition of fractions with like and unlike denominators, you’ve come to the right place! Click below to explore our wide range of worksheets, activities and games to use in your classroom today!

teaching resource

Adding Unlike Fractions Word Problems Task Cards

Use this set of word problems for adding fractions with unlike denominators to help your students practise this important maths skill.

teaching resource

Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators Interactive Maze

Get your students to add fractions with unlike denominators to find their way out of the digital maze!

teaching resource

Number Talks – Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators Task Cards

Explore addition and subtraction of fractions with your students using this set of 24 number talk task cards.