Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Subtracting fractions can be a complex concept for our students to master. This becomes all the more complicated when the fractions have different denominators called “unlike” denominators.

In order to answer these kinds of fraction subtraction questions, students need to know how to find a common denominator between the two fractions. There are a number of strategies that students can use to do this. These include:

• Pictorial models
• Number lines
• Written algorithm

This set of task cards provides your students with the opportunity to practice subtracting fractions with unlike denominators using a variety of the strategies listed above. Students are required to:

1. Read the question on the card.
2. Choose a strategy.
3. Use the strategy to solve the equation.
4. Record the answer on their recording sheet.

This adding fractions with unlike denominators resource includes:

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

This resource downloads as an easy-print PDF or an editable Google Slides version.

Read on for some suggestions as to how you might use these fractions task cards in your classroom!

Multiple Ways to Explore Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators

These versatile fractions task cards can be used in numerous different ways in your math lesson. Here are some ideas you may not have thought about from our experienced teacher team:

1. Lesson Warm-Up – Use a task card or two as a warm-up to get your students ready for a lesson on subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Choose students to share their answers along with the strategy they used to solve the equation.
2. Team Trivia – Add an element of friendly competition into your math lessons by playing a game of team trivia. Choose ten subtracting fractions with unlike denominators task cards from the set and have teams work together to calculate the answers. The team with the most correct answers, wins!
3. Fractions Scoot – Place task cards around the room, one on each desk or taped to a wall. Students move around the room at timed intervals, solving the fraction addition problems on each card. When time is up, they move to the next card. This encourages movement and engagement while practicing fraction addition.

Download to Subtract Fractions with Unlike 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.

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This resource was created by Michael Bailey, a teacher in New York and a Teach Starter collaborator.

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