Math Lesson Plan · Grades 4–7

Adding Fractions Lesson

Teach students how to add fractions using a pizza-based lesson and a 20-problem worksheet. The three-step process covers finding the lowest common denominator, converting fractions, and adding numerators. Worksheet includes like denominators, unlike denominators, three-addend problems, and word problems. Complete answer key included.

Lesson Overview

How to Add Fractions

Adding fractions requires a three-step process. Step 1: the denominators must be the same — find the lowest common multiple of each denominator (the common denominator). Step 2: convert each fraction so it has the common denominator. Step 3: add the numerators and keep the denominator. For example, 1/3 + 1/2 requires a common denominator of 6, giving 2/6 + 3/6 = 5/6.

The lesson opens with a pizza-party problem that motivates the need for addition, then walks through the three steps with worked examples. The companion worksheet has 20 problems: 12 standard addition problems (some with like denominators, some unlike), 6 three-addend problems, and 2 word problems. All answers are in simplest form.

How to Use This Lesson

1. Read the lesson on pages 1 and 2 as a class. Work through the pizza-party example and the three-step adding process with students.

2. Distribute the worksheet. Complete problems 1–12 (standard addition), reviewing the common denominator step as needed.

3. Complete problems 13–20 (three-addend and word problems). Review all answers using the answer key on worksheet page 2.

Printable Resources

2 classroom-ready PDFs.

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