Go Math! Grade 4, Chapter 7: Add and Subtract Fractions
In this unit, your child adds and subtracts fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators. They break fractions into sums of unit fractions, rename mixed numbers as fractions greater than 1 and back, and solve story problems. It builds on fraction equivalence and leads into multiplying fractions by whole numbers.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 7?
- Renaming mixed numbers as fractions greater than 1, like 2 3/4 = 11/4, to add and subtract fractions with like denominators. Learn more: Adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers
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 sum is equal to 4/5?
- 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5
- 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4
- 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5
How you can help
- Make a smoothie with measuring cups. If you add 1/3 cup of yogurt and 1/3 cup of berries, ask how much that is in all, then how much more makes a full cup.
- Mark a walk in parts of a mile. If you walk 3/4 mile to a park and 3/4 mile back, ask your child for the total, and to write it as 6/4 and 1 2/4 miles.
- Use a pizza cut into 8 slices. If 5/8 is left after dinner and 2/8 is eaten the next day, ask how much remains and how your child knows.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding the denominators as well, so 3/8 + 2/8 becomes 5/16.
- Renaming 2 3/4 as 5/4 instead of 11/4, forgetting each whole is 4 fourths.
- Subtracting 1 3/4 from 3 1/4 by taking 1/4 from 3/4, without trading a whole for fourths.
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
- unit fraction
- A fraction with 1 as its numerator, like 1/4 or 1/8.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, like 2 1/4.
- fraction greater than 1
- A fraction whose numerator is larger than its denominator, like 7/4.
- like denominators
- Denominators that are the same, as in 3/8 and 5/8.
- decompose
- To break a number or fraction into parts, like 3/4 = 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4.
- numerator
- The top number of a fraction, telling how many equal parts are counted.
- denominator
- The bottom number of a fraction, telling how many equal parts make one whole.
Want to help your child master fraction addition and subtraction?
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.
Join the club
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 Go Math! Grade 4 Chapter 7 cover?
Go Math! Grade 4 Chapter 7 covers this math standard. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 4.NF.B.3: Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator, like 5/12 + 6/12.
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.