Reveal Math Grade 4, Unit 7: Addition and Subtraction of Fractions
In this unit, your child adds and subtracts fractions and mixed numbers that share a denominator, seeing 5/6 as five one-sixths and breaking fractions apart in different ways. It builds on the fraction equivalence work from the previous unit and leads into multiplying a fraction by a whole number.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 7?
- Adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators, and decomposing fractions into sums of smaller parts, such as 5/6 = 2/6 + 3/6. 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
- Measure with cups for a fruit salad or trail mix: if you add 2/4 cup and then 3/4 cup, ask your child how much that is in all, as a mixed number.
- Track reading time: if your child reads 1 2/3 hours this week and 2 2/3 hours next week, ask how much in all, adding the thirds first.
- Break a fraction apart in several ways: ask how many ways your child can write 5/8 as a sum, such as 1/8 + 4/8 or 2/8 + 3/8.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding the denominators as well as the numerators, so 2/4 + 3/4 gets written as 5/8.
- Subtracting the smaller fraction from the larger, so 3 1/4 − 1 3/4 comes out as 2 2/4 instead of 1 2/4.
- Thinking a fraction can never be greater than 1, so 7/4 looks like a mistake instead of 1 3/4.
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 a numerator of 1, such as 1/4, naming one equal part.
- numerator
- The top number of a fraction, which tells how many equal parts are counted.
- denominator
- The bottom number of a fraction, which tells how many equal parts make the whole.
- like denominators
- Denominators that are the same, as in 3/8 and 5/8.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, such as 2 1/4.
- decompose
- To break a number or fraction into smaller parts, like 5/6 = 2/6 + 3/6.
- sum
- The answer to an addition problem.
Want to help your child master 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.
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 Reveal Math Grade 4 Unit 7 cover?
Reveal Math Grade 4 Unit 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.