Everyday Mathematics Grade 5, Unit 3: Fraction Concepts, Addition, and Subtraction
In this unit, your child adds and subtracts fractions with unlike denominators, like 2/3 + 1/4, by renaming them as equivalent fractions with a common denominator. They solve story problems, use benchmark fractions such as 1/2 to check that answers make sense, and work with mixed numbers. It builds on the whole-number work just finished and leads into decimals and coordinate grids.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 3?
- Rewriting fractions with a common denominator so that fractions like 2/3 and 1/4 can be added or subtracted. Learn more: Adding and subtracting fractions like 2/3 + 1/4
- Solving story problems with fractions, then using benchmarks like 1/2 to judge whether each answer is reasonable. Learn more: Story problems that add and subtract fractions
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Which common denominator could you use to add 3/4 and 5/6?
- 10
- 12
- 6
How you can help
- Make trail mix together with measuring cups. Ask how much you would have after adding 1/2 cup of oats and 1/3 cup of raisins, and how to write both amounts as sixths.
- Notice a water bottle that starts 3/4 full. After a drink of about 1/3 of the bottle, ask your child how much is left and how they worked it out.
- Ask for a quick estimate before any fraction answer: is it more or less than 1/2, or more or less than 1? Praise the check as much as the answer.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding the numerators and the denominators, so 1/2 + 1/3 becomes 2/5, which is smaller than 1/2 alone.
- Changing the denominator but not the numerator, so 2/3 gets rewritten as 2/12 instead of 8/12.
- Adding when a story asks how much is left or how much more, so the answer grows when it should shrink.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- numerator
- The top number in a fraction, telling how many parts you have.
- denominator
- The bottom number in a fraction, telling how many equal parts make a whole.
- common denominator
- A denominator that two or more fractions share, like 12 for 2/3 and 1/4.
- equivalent fractions
- Fractions that name the same amount, like 1/2 and 3/6.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, like 2 1/2.
- benchmark fraction
- A familiar fraction, like 1/2, used to estimate or compare.
- estimate
- A close guess found by rounding or using easy numbers.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with adding and subtracting fractions?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Everyday Mathematics Grade 5 Unit 3 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 5 Unit 3 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.