Explore Adding Fractions with Like Denominators

Adding fractions can be a tricky concept for students to grasp. Thankfully, there are a number of different strategies that students can use to approach and solve these problems. These include:

• Bar models
• Fraction circles
• Number lines
• The standard algorithm

This set of task cards provides your students with the opportunity to practice adding fractions with like denominators using a variety of the strategies listed above. Pictorial models and number lines are great scaffolds for students when they are learning how to add fractions with like denominators. They provide a visual representation of the problem which makes the rather abstract concept of fractions easier to understand. Here are some examples of the types of questions that can be found on the task cards:

• Use the bar model to write and solve an addition equation. 
• Use the fraction circles to write and solve an addition equation.
• Use the number line to write and solve an addition equation.
• Find the sum of the pair of fractions.

This adding fractions with like denominators resource includes:

• Instruction Page
• Task Cards (set of 24)
• Recording Sheet
• Answer Page

We have provided an easy-print PDF or an editable Google Slides version of these adding fractions with like denominators task cards. 

This set of adding fractions with like denominators task cards would make a great addition to any math lesson focused on teaching students different strategies they can use when completing addition operations with fractions.

Multiple Uses for These Adding Fractions Task Cards

There are many ways in which these adding fractions task cards can be used to enhance your lessons. Here are a few suggestions from our experienced teacher team:

1. Collaborative Learning – These adding fractions with like denominators task cards are perfect for peer learning! Have your students work in pairs or small groups. They can discuss their strategies, compare answers and learn from each other.
2. Math Stations – Create math stations in your classroom. At one of these stations, place the task cards and some recording sheets in a dry erase sleeve. Encourage students to rotate through the stations, tackling the adding fractions task cards and engaging in practical problem-solving.
3. Individual Practice – For students who prefer to work independently, these adding fractions task cards offer a great opportunity for sustained, individual practice. They can complete the cards and check their answers using the provided answer page.

Download to Add Fractions with Like Denominators

Use the Download button above to select your chosen file format.

As this resource contains an answer page, we recommend printing one copy of the entire file, removing the answer page, then making further copies if required.

Print the cards on cardstock to increase the durability of the resource. Place the cards together in a large envelope or ziplock bag for safekeeping.

This resource was created by Brittany Collins, a teacher in Indiana and a Teach Starter collaborator.

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