Explain how to add related unit fractions without a representation or image
I can explain how to add related unit fractions with and without a representation or image.
Explain how to add related unit fractions without a representation or image
I can explain how to add related unit fractions with and without a representation or image.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Common multiples help you to convert a fraction to a common denominator.
- When adding fractions the denominators have to be the same.
- The language of unitising helps you to add fractions with the same denominators.
- When adding fractions with the same denominators you just add the numerators,
Keywords
Related fractions - When the denominator of one fraction is a multiple of the denominator of another fraction, we can say these fractions are related fractions.
Common denominator - When two or more fractions share the same denominator, you can say they have a common denominator.
Common misconception
Pupils try to add both the numerators and both the denominators in order to find the sum.
Spend time converting related fractions so that the denominators are common. Use analogies such as adding cats and dogs and needing to rename them as animals or pets to help highlight the need for a common counting unit (or common denominator).
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Explain how to add related unit fractions without a representation or image, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Explain how to add related unit fractions without a representation or image, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Addition and subtraction of fractions unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions



Exit quiz
6 Questions
