Looking to Add and Subtract Fractions with Unlike Denominators? Bingo!

Have your students mastered the concept of adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators? If so, they’ll be ready to tackle similar fractions questions involving unlike or different denominators. As with most computational math skills, the more practice your students have with answering these types of questions, the better. That’s where Teach Starter’s fractions bingo game comes into play!

To play, distribute one bingo game board to each student and a set of counters to cover the game board spaces. Display one of the 24 calling cards to the students and encourage them to add or subtract the fractions to find the answer. Once students find the correct answer on their bingo card, they must cover it with a counting chip or marker. The first student to get a bingo configuration on their card wins!

This fractions bingo game contains the following question types:

• Adding unlike fractions
• Subtracting unlike fractions
• Adding unlike fractions (including mixed numbers)
• Subtracting unlike fractions (including mixed numbers)

The download includes:

• Teacher instructions
• 25 Bingo game boards
• 24 calling cards
• Answers

The file can be accessed as either an easy-print PDF or as an editable Google Slides file.

Through this math activity, students will show they can add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators, including questions involving mixed numbers.

Enhance Student Participation with Fractions Bingo

It can often be tricky to get 100% engagement from our students when teaching relatively “dry” math concepts such as adding and subtracting fractions. The benefit of whole-class games such as bingo is that they enable all students to be involved… and the possibility of being the winner can be a strong motivator, too!  

Here are some other educational benefits of this fractions bingo game:

1. Positive Associations –  When math is turned into a fun, engaging activity, the brain is more likely to form positive associations about the concept being taught. What teacher doesn’t want their student thinking that fractions equals fun!
2. Automated Processes – Playing games that require quick thinking and speedy application of concepts contributes to the automation of key processes, which significantly reduces the mental load of such questions.
3. Immediate Feedback – Bingo games offer immediate feedback, allowing students to see instantly whether they have understood a concept correctly. This instant reinforcement helps correct mistakes on the spot.

Download This Fractions Bingo Game

As mentioned above, this adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators bingo game downloads as either an easy-print PDF or an editable Google Slides version. Use the Download button to access your preferred file format. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

We recommend printing this resource on cardstock to increase the durability of the resource. Place all components of the game into a large envelope or ziplock bag for safekeeping.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

Explore More Adding and Subtracting Fractions Resources 

Teach Starter has a wide range of resources to support you in teaching addition and subtraction of fractions to your upper elementary students. Click below to explore some of our team’s top picks:

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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.

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Adding and Subtracting Fractions Worksheets

Use these adding and subtracting fractions worksheets to enable your students to practice this important skill.

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Adding and Subtracting Fractions Math Investigation

Immerse your students in all things fractions with this math project based around a real-world scenario.