Add and subtract with fraction line plots
Line plots give your child an early taste of reading data, a skill they will need in science, in later math, and in everyday life, from tracking how a plant grows to reading a chart in the news. They also give fractions a real use, since measurements rarely come out to whole numbers. In 5th grade your child uses line plots to share a total equally, and later studies data more deeply.
In this video, your child will learn to add and subtract fractions on line plots.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
How much longer is the longest beetle than the shortest? It is ?/4 inch.
Example 2
What is the total length of the ribbons that are five eighths of an inch long? It is ?/8 inches.
Your child's turn
How much longer is the longest feather than the shortest? It is ?/8 inch.
The three key steps
- 1Find the lengths on the plot.
- 2Same bottom: same-size pieces
- 3+ or − the tops; keep the bottom
Mistakes to listen for
- Spacing 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 as if they were equal steps apart on the number line.
- Putting 1/2 and 4/8 in different spots, so the plot shows two piles where there should be one.
- Adding the fraction values when the question asks how many, or counting the Xs when it asks for a total length.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to charting measurements in halves, fourths, and eighths →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
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More 4th grade Measurement & Data, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice charting measurements in halves, fourths, and eighths, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to charting measurements in halves, fourths, and eighths has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice charting measurements in halves, fourths, and eighths
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on charting measurements in halves, fourths, and eighths and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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