Generated on 5/24/2026 at 11:26 AM
The webpage this document was printed/exported from can be found at the following URL:
https://www.cpalms.org//PreviewStandard/Preview/5420

Domain-Subdomain #: MAFS.5.NF.1.2Archived Standard

Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. Use benchmark fractions and number sense of fractions to estimate mentally and assess the reasonableness of answers. For example, recognize an incorrect result 2/5 + 1/2 = 3/7, by observing that 3/7 < 1/2.

Domain-Subdomain Information

General Information

Subject Area: Mathematics
Grade: 5
Domain-Subdomain: Number and Operations - Fractions
Cluster: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts
Cluster: Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions. (Major Cluster) -

Clusters should not be sorted from Major to Supporting and then taught in that order. To do so would strip the coherence of the mathematical ideas and miss the opportunity to enhance the major work of the grade with the supporting clusters.
Date Adopted or Revised: 02/14
Content Complexity Rating: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 02/14
Status: State Board Approved - Archived
Assessed: Yes

Formative Assessments

  • Maris Has a Party Students are given a word problem involving fractions with unlike denominators and are asked to estimate the sum, explain their reasoning, and then determine the sum.
  • Sarah’s Hike Students are asked to estimate the difference between two fractional lengths and then calculate the difference.
  • Just Run Students are given a word problem involving subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators. Students are asked to determine if a given answer is reasonable, explain their reasoning, and calculate the answer.
  • Baking Cakes Students are asked to estimate the sum of two mixed numbers and then calculate the sum.

Lesson Plans

  • Let's Have a Fraction Party! In this lesson, students will use addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators to solve word problems involving situations that arise with the children who were invited to a party. They will use fraction strips as number models and connect the algorithm with these real-life word problems.
  • Fractions make the real WORLD problems go round In this lesson students will use a graphic organizer to to solve addition and subtraction word problems. Students will create their own word problems in PowerPoint, by using pen and paper, or dry erase boards to help them to connect to and understand the structure of word problems.  
  • Aaron and Anya's Discovery: Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators In this situational story, Aaron and Anya find several pieces of ribbon/cord of varying fractional lengths. They decide to choose 3 pieces and make a belt. All of the fractions have different denominators; students have to determine common denominators in order to add the fractional pieces. After students successfully add three fractional pieces, they make a belt and label it with their fractional pieces.
  • Estimating Fractions Using Benchmark Fractions 0, 1/2, or 1 In this lesson, students use models (fractions tiles or number lines) to round fractions using benchmark fractions of 0, 1/2, or 1.
  • Discovering Common Denominators Students use pattern blocks to represent fractions with unlike denominators. Students discover that they need to convert the pattern blocks to the same size in order to add them. Therefore, they find and use common denominators for the addition of fractions.
  • Looking for Patterns in a Sequence of Fractions Students generate and describe a numerical pattern using the multiplication and subtraction of fractions.

Original Student Tutorials

Problem-Solving Tasks

  • Comparing two different pizzas The focus of this task is on understanding that fractions, in an explicit context, are fractions of a specific whole. In this this problem there are three different wholes: the medium pizza, the large pizza, and the two pizzas taken together. This task is best suited for instruction. Students can practice explaining their reasoning to each other in pairs or as part of a whole group discussion.
  • Jog-A-Thon The purpose of this task is to present students with a situation where it is natural to add fractions with unlike denominators; it can be used for either assessment or instructional purposes. Teachers should anticipate two types of solutions: one where students calculate the distance Alex ran to determine an answer, and one where students compare the two parts of his run to benchmark fractions.
  • Salad Dressing The purpose of this task is to have students add fractions with unlike denominators and divide a unit fraction by a whole number. This accessible real-life context provides students with an opportunity to apply their understanding of addition as joining two separate quantities.
  • Do These Add Up? This task addresses common errors that students make when interpreting adding fractions word problems. It is very important for students to recognize that they only add fractions when the fractions refer to the same whole, and also when the fractions of the whole being added do not overlap. This set of questions is designed to enhance a student's understanding of when it is and is not appropriate to add fractions.

Teaching Idea

Collections

MFAS Formative Assessments

  • Baking Cakes Students are asked to estimate the sum of two mixed numbers and then calculate the sum.
  • Just Run Students are given a word problem involving subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators. Students are asked to determine if a given answer is reasonable, explain their reasoning, and calculate the answer.
  • Maris Has a Party Students are given a word problem involving fractions with unlike denominators and are asked to estimate the sum, explain their reasoning, and then determine the sum.
  • Sarah’s Hike Students are asked to estimate the difference between two fractional lengths and then calculate the difference.

Original Student Tutorials Mathematics - Grades K-5

Printed On: 5/24/2026 3:26:13 PM
Print Page | Close this window