Does chaos ensue when your students subtract like mixed numbers and the larger fraction has a lesser numerator? Using this lesson plan, teach your class how to overcome this tricky obstacle: When having like denominators isn’t enough!

Getting ready to subtract fractions? This lesson reviews how to subtract like denominators and teaches students how to subtract unlike denominators. The focus is on understanding the process and reasoning behind each step.

Adding fractions with unlike denominators just doesn't work like it does when the denominators are the same. Let's make it work! Students will add fractions with unlike denominators with sums between one and two.

Challenge your students to compare two methods for finding the least common multiple between two fractions. Use this lesson on its own or as support for the lesson Make It Work! Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators.

Teach your students to add and subtract fractions with like denominators using a strategy that works for both operations: converting mixed numbers into improper fractions and back again!

Continue to build on your students' understanding of unlike denominators by asking students to justify their answers of fraction subtraction. Use this lesson with the Subtracting Fractions with Different Denominators lesson.