Bluefield State College

Daily Lesson Plan

Name: Debra Laxton

Mentor Initials _______

Date:

Subject: Math
subtracting fractions with unlike

Topic: adding and

denominators.

Grade: 5
minutes

Length of Lesson: 40

Introduction (Essential Question):

Standard: Mathematics
Cluster: Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions.
Objective:
. M.5.NF.1
add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers)
by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent
sum or difference of fractions with like denominators
Specific Objective: Students will add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators using the
LCM, with at least 90% accuracy.
Method(s):
Whole group instruction
Materials:
White boards/dry erase markers
Unlike Denominators Fractions worksheet
Direct Instruction:
Review finding the Least Common Multiple (LCM). Before you can add or subtract fractions with different
denominators, you must first find equivalent fractions with the same denominator, like this:
1. Find the smallest multiple (LCM) of both numbers.
2. Rewrite the fractions as equivalent fraction with the LCM as the denominator.
Once you find the LCM, you need to change your fraction to get like denominators. For example: 2/3 + 4/12=?
The LCM of the two denominators is 12. After we find the LCM we must then transform our previous fraction
into a new fraction with like denominators. When transforming 2/3 we must divide. 12/3 is 4. Then we must
multiply the four by the numerator. 4 *2=8. So our new fraction is 8/12. Now on to the second fraction. We
must divide 12 by 4 to get 3. Multiply 4 by the numerator to get 16. Now our new fraction is 16/12. Now we
can add the fractions together because we have like denominators. 8/12+16/12=24/12 = 2. The same rules apply
with subtracting. Always make sure to simplify to lowest forms.
Continue with a couple more examples:
1/3+2/9=?
1/3+2/4=?
4/5-1/4=?
Guided Practice:
We are to work the following problems together. Students are to first work them on their white boards, then we
will work them together on the board.
5/8+3/4=?
1/5+1/3=?
4/5+2/6=?
3/8-1/2=?
3/4 1/3 =?

Lesson Closure:
Students are to complete the follow problems and turn in as they are leaving.
2/3+4/6
1/5+1/2
4/5-1/3
2/8-1/3
Independent Practice:
Students are to complete the unlike denominators fraction worksheet.
Assessment:
Based on the unlike denominators worksheet, students will add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
(including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce
an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators. Students are to score at least
How I would teach this lesson differently next time. (Reflection)
1. Provide more modeling, examples, and more strategies. Lesson didnt turn out well, so more practice would
be helpful.
2.
3.