Subtract Fractions - Unlike Units

Videos, examples, and solutions to help Grade 5 students learn how to subtract fractions with unlike units using the strategy of creating equivalent fractions.

Common Core Standards: 5.NF.1, 5.NF.2
New York State Common Core Math Grade 5, Module 3, Lesson 5

Worksheets for Grade 5

The following figures show how to subtract unlike fractions with area models. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions.

Lesson 5 Application Problem
A farmer uses 3/4 of his field to plant corn, 1/6 of his field to plant beans , and the rest to plant wheat. What fraction of his field is used for wheat?

Lesson 5 Concept Development
Problem 1: 1/2 - 1/3
Problem 2: 1/3 - 1/4
Problem 3: 1/2 - 1/5
Problem 4: 2/3 - 1/4
Problem 5: 1/2 - 2/7
Problem 6: 4/5 - 2/3

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Lesson 5 Problem Set
Subtract fractions with unlike units using the strategy of creating equivalent fractions.

1. For the following problems, draw a picture using the rectangular fraction model and write the answer. Simplify your answer.
   a) 1/3 - 1/4
   b) 2/3 - 1/2
   e) 3/4 - 3/8

Homework:
4) Katrina needs 3/5 kilogram of flour for a recipe. Her mother has 3/7 kilogram in her pantry. Is this enough flour to make the recipe If not, how much more will she need?

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Lesson 5 Homework
This video shows how to subtract fractions with unlike denominators using block style diagrams.

1. The picture shows 3/4 of the square shaded. Use the picture to show how to create a fraction equivalent to 3/4 with units that would allow you to subtract 1/3, and then find the difference.
   
2. Find the difference. Use a rectangular fraction model to show how to convert to fractions with common denominators. a) 5/6 - 1/3

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Lesson 5 Homework
2) Find the difference. Use a rectangular fraction model to show how to convert to fractions with common denominators.
a) 5/6 - 1/3
f) 5/7 - 2/3
Robin used 1/4 pound of butter to make a cake. Afterward she had 5/8 of a pound left. How much butter did she have at first?
4) Katrina needs 3/5 kilogram of flour for a recipe. Her mother has 3/7 kilogram in her pantry. Is this enough flour to make the recipe If not, how much more will she need?

• Show Step-by-step Solutions

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