If two numbers or expressions have the same value, they are said to be equivalent.

When we compare lists of factors of two or more numbers, any factors that are the same are common factors.

Explain how to write a fraction in its simplest form

Maths

In this unit pupils will explain how to write a fraction in its simplest form when solving addition and subtraction problems and how to add and subtract related fractions. In the future unit pupils will use their fraction sense to fraction addition, subtraction and comparison explaining how to compare pairs of non-related fractions by converting to common denominators and using fraction sense.

In the prior unit pupils used representations to describe and compare two fractions. They explained the relationship within families of equivalent fractions and used their knowledge of common equivalents to compare fractions with decimals. In this unit pupils will explain how to write a fraction in its simplest form when solving addition and subtraction problems. 

Addition and subtraction of fractions

When we compare lists of factors of two or more numbers, common factors are those shared by all the numbers.

To simplify a fraction is to identify the highest common factor shared by the numerator and denominator and to scale down both by that factor.

Reason about how to write a fraction in its simplest form

A fraction is in its simplest form when the numerator and denominator cannot be any smaller, while still being whole numbers.

Use knowledge of fractions in their simplest form when solving addition and subtraction problems

When two or more fractions share the same denominator, you can say they have a common denominator.

Explain how to add related unit fractions with a representation or image

When the denominator of one fraction is a multiple of the denominator of another fraction, we can say these fractions are related fractions.

Explain how to add related unit fractions without a representation or image

Explain how to subtract related unit fractions

Use knowledge of adding and subtracting related unit fractions to solve problems

Explain with and without an image how to add and subtract related non-unit fractions

Explain with and without images how to add and subtract related non-unit fractions bridging a whole

Related fractions are when the denominator of one fraction is a multiple of the denominator of the other fraction.

Non-related fractions are when the denominator of one fraction is not a multiple of the denominator of the other fraction.

A multiple that is common between two or more numbers is known as a common multiple.

Addition and subtraction of fractions

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These lessons will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.