Math Lesson Plan: Adding & Subtracting Mixed Numbers

Lesson Opening

1. We have just completed all the fraction skills you need to know. The test will be on all the skills we have learned. Today, we are going to go review one skill we have had trouble with.

1. As a class, we are having difficulty with subtracting mixed numbers. Our problems come not from the subtraction or finding the LCM. We have trouble when we have to borrow from the whole number, and as a result, we will be working on that skill.

Guided Practice

1. Sometimes, subtracting fractions is easy. For instance, when the top fraction is bigger than the bottom, you don't have to do anything special. All you do is find the LCD and subtract.

1. However, you can't subtract a bigger fraction from a smaller one. In these cases, you have to borrow from the whole number, just like you would borrow from the ten's place in regular subtraction.

1. When you borrow from the whole number, you take one away. Then you need to rename that one as a fraction. Whatever you rename that one as a fraction that has the same denominator as the fraction. Let me know if that doesn't make sense.

Independent Practice

1. When the children are struggling with a skill, it is often best to have them work with a partner. Have them work on their worksheet in pairs. The first child explains two problems to the second, and then the second child explains two.

1. Volunteers can answer certain questions on the board. The remainder of the sheet is for homework.

Closing

1. Ask them what they think makes this particular skill so difficult.