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Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators

Use equivalence to add and subtract fractions with different denominators.

Taught in Primary 5 in Nigeria (NERDC), Year 5 in United Kingdom (National Curriculum), Grade 6 in Canada (Ontario).

Compare curricula (choose 2–3)

Nigeria (NERDC)

Primary 5

Strand
Number and Numeration
Called
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
How it's taught
Find the LCM of the denominators explicitly, rewrite each fraction, then add; LCM working shown.
More Number and Numeration skills at this level

United Kingdom (National Curriculum)

Year 5

Strand
Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
Called
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
How it's taught
Year 5 uses denominators that are multiples of one another; any denominators by Year 6.
More Fractions, Decimals and Percentages skills at this level

Canada (Ontario)

Grade 6

Strand
Number
Called
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
How it's taught
Grade 6 expectation, tools first (fraction strips, double number lines) before symbolic work.
More Number skills at this level

Builds on