Fractions Homework: Assignments and Activities

What Do Fraction Homework Assignments Include?

Depending on what grade your child is in, fraction assignments may include adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators or unlike denominators. If your child is in later grades, fraction homework may also include multiplying and dividing fractions.

When adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators, only look at the numbers in the numerators. For example, 2/4 + 1/4 = (2+1)/4 = 3/4. The denominator always remains the same.

When working with unlike denominators, the first step is to make the denominator the same. Consider the problem 1/6 + 2/3. The denominator for both fractions should be six, so multiply the second fraction by two (2/3 x 2/2 = 4/6). Then add: 1/6 + 4/6 = 5/6.

For multiplying fractions, simply multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. In the problem 4/7 x 2/5, multiply (4 x 2)/(7 x 5) = 8/35. Similarly, with division problems, turn the second fraction into a reciprocal by inverting it. The problem 3/5 ÷ 2/3 should look like this: 3/5 x 3/2 = 9/10. Remind your child to look at the answer to a problem closely to see if the fraction can be simplified, or reduced, into a smaller fraction.

Although additional problems and worksheets can be helpful, activities can be both fun and educational. For instance, have your child add fractions using drawings. For the problem 3/5 + 1/5, have your child draw a circle. Divide it into five equal parts and color three parts. Then, color one more part. Ultimately, there should be four out of five parts colored because the answer is 4/5.

Sample Assignments by Concept

Like Denominators

4/7 + 1/7

The fractions in this problem have the same denominator, so only look at the numbers in the numerator. Think about the problem like this: (4 + 1)/7 = 5/7.

Unlike Denominators

6/8 - 1/2

The first step is to make the denominators the same. Multiply 1/2 by 4/4 so that the problem looks like this: 6/8 - 4/8 = 2/8, which can be reduced to 1/4.

Multiplication

4/9 x 2/1

Multiply the numerators and the denominators. Think of the problem like this: (4 x 2)/(9 x 1) = 8/9.

Division

5/9 ÷ 3/2

Begin by inverting the second fraction, so that 3/2 becomes 2/3. Then, multiply 5/9 x 2/3 = 10/27.