In Year 4 math, students should learn how to count beyond one fraction. This means being able to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator (bottom number).
For example:
- To add the fractions 1/4 and 1/4, we simply add the numerators (top numbers) together and keep the denominator the same. So, 1/4 + 1/4 = 2/4 which is simplified as 1/2
- To subtract the fractions 2/4 and 1/4, we subtract the numerators (top numbers) and keep the denominator the same. So, 2/4 – 1/4 = 1/4
When the fractions have different denominators, students should learn how to find a common denominator before adding or subtracting. A common denominator is a number that is a multiple of both denominators.
For example:
- To add the fractions 1/3 and 1/4, we need to find a common denominator. The least common multiple of 3 and 4 is 12, so we can write the fractions as 4/12 and 3/12. Now we can add the fractions by adding the numerators and keeping the denominator the same. So, 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12
It is also important for students to understand that in order to add or subtract fractions, the denominators (bottom numbers) must be the same.
It is also important to note that when adding or subtracting fractions, it’s important to check if the result can be simplified (reduced) by dividing both the numerator and denominator by a common factor.
By understanding how to count beyond one fraction, students will be able to solve more complex problems involving fractions and apply these concepts in real-world situations.