Subtract a mixed number from a mixed number
I can subtract a mixed number from a mixed number explaining which strategy is most efficient.
Subtract a mixed number from a mixed number
I can subtract a mixed number from a mixed number explaining which strategy is most efficient.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- To subtract mixed numbers, we need to use our fraction-sense to determine the most appropriate strategy to use.
- Mixed numbers can be subtracted by counting back using a number line or by converting them to improper fractions.
- If mixed numbers are close, it is more efficient to ‘find the difference’ by counting forwards from part to whole.
Keywords
Mixed number - A mixed number is a whole number and a fraction combined.
Improper fraction - An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.
Common misconception
Children may believe that a smaller mixed number cannot be subtracted from a greater one if its fractional part is greater. E.g. five and three-quarters cannot be subtracted from six and one-quarter.
If the mixed numbers are close to each other, try to ‘find the difference’ by counting forwards on a number line from the part to the whole.
To help you plan your year 4 maths lesson on: Subtract a mixed number from a mixed number, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 maths lesson on: Subtract a mixed number from a mixed number, 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 Efficient strategies for adding and subtracting mixed numbers (crossing a whole) unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
$$ {7} \over {4}$$ − $$ {1} \over {4}$$ -
$$ {6} \over {4}$$
$$ {9} \over {4}$$ − $$ {2} \over {4}$$ -
$$ {7} \over {4}$$
$$ {9} \over {4}$$ − $$ {7} \over {4}$$ -
$$ {2} \over {4}$$
$$ {14} \over {4}$$ − $$ {2} \over {4}$$ -
$$ {12} \over {4}$$
$$ {6} \over {4}$$ − $$ {3} \over {4}$$ -
$$ {3} \over {4}$$
$$ {11} \over {10}$$ -
$$1{{1} \over {10}}$$
$$ {18} \over {10}$$ -
$$1{{8} \over {10}}$$
$$ {29} \over {10}$$ -
$$2{{9} \over {10}}$$
$$ {34} \over {10}$$ -
$$3{{4} \over {10}}$$
$$ {46} \over {10}$$ -
$$4{{6} \over {10}}$$
$$2{{4} \over {10}}$$ -
$$ {24} \over {10}$$
$$3{{4} \over {10}}$$ -
$$ {34} \over {10}$$
$$1{{6} \over {10}}$$ -
$$ {16} \over {10}$$
$$2{{1} \over {10}}$$ -
$$ {21} \over {10}$$
$$5{{3} \over {10}}$$ -
$$ {53} \over {10}$$
$$2{{7} \over {9}}$$ -
$$3{{1} \over {9}}$$ − $$ {3} \over {9}$$
$$1{{5} \over {9}}$$ -
$$2{{2} \over {9}}$$ − $$ {6} \over {9}$$
$$1{{6} \over {9}}$$ -
$$2{{1} \over {9}}$$ − $$ {4} \over {9}$$
$$3{{7} \over {9}}$$ -
$$4{{3} \over {9}}$$ − $$ {5} \over {9}$$
Exit quiz
6 Questions
$$ {4} \over {6}$$ -
$$3{{1} \over {6}}$$ − $$2{{3} \over {6}}$$
$$ {3} \over {6}$$ -
$$4{{2} \over {6}}$$ − $$3{{5} \over {6}}$$
$$ {5} \over {6}$$ -
$$4{{3} \over {6}}$$ − $$3{{4} \over {6}}$$
$$ {2} \over {6}$$ -
$$5{{1} \over {6}}$$ − $$4{{5} \over {6}}$$