Substitute a fraction representing a whole to solve subtraction problems
I can substitute a fraction representing a whole to solve subtraction problems.
Substitute a fraction representing a whole to solve subtraction problems
I can substitute a fraction representing a whole to solve subtraction problems.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A fraction with the same numerator and denominator is equal to one whole.
- To subtract a fraction from a whole, convert the whole to a fraction with the same denominator as the subtrahend.
- All fractions where the numerator and denominator are the same are equal and equal to 1
Keywords
Substitute - Substitute means to put in place of another and it can be used to replace a fraction with another fraction of equal value.
Expression - An expression contains one or more values, where each value is separated by an operator.
Common misconception
Children might struggle with the idea that two fractions, each with the same numerator and denominator but different numbers, can be equivalent. For example, four-fourths is equal to ten-tenths.
Use a fraction wall to help with this. Compare the rows and establish that the whole is the same so they are equivalent. Ask the children to list as many as they can which will help build confidence.
To help you plan your year 3 maths lesson on: Substitute a fraction representing a whole to solve subtraction problems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 maths lesson on: Substitute a fraction representing a whole to solve subtraction problems, 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 Composition of non-unit fractions: addition and subtraction unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
2 -
is the number of halves equal to one whole.
6 -
is the number of sixths equal to one whole.
10 -
is the number of tenths equal to one whole.
4 -
is the number of quarters equal to one whole.
$$ \frac{4}{10} $$ = -
$$ \frac{10}{10} $$ − $$ \frac{6}{10} $$
$$ \frac{5}{8} $$ = -
$$ \frac{8}{8} $$ − $$ \frac{3}{8} $$
$$ \frac{4}{6} $$ = -
$$ \frac{6}{6} $$ − $$ \frac{2}{6} $$
$$ \frac{5}{12} $$ = -
$$ \frac{12}{12} $$ − $$ \frac{7}{12} $$


Exit quiz
6 Questions



