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Adding and Subtracting Fractions - Unlike denominators - Printable Mathematics Worksheets grade 5 - Wayground

Adding and Subtracting Fractions - Unlike denominators

15 questions

5th - 5th Grade

Mathematics

This Grade 5 mathematics worksheet gives students focused practice adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Across 15 items—14 multiple-choice questions and one fill-in-the-blank question—students identify the least common multiple or least common denominator, convert fractions to equivalent forms, and find sums and differences. The worksheet also includes fraction word problems involving distance and quantities used, helping students apply the procedure in real-world contexts. Students work with pairs such as 3/4 and 2/6, 7/9 and 2/5, and 5/8 and 3/12, while also identifying the correct first step and method for solving. It is suited to Grade 5 math instruction, guided practice, independent review, or formative assessment after introducing unlike denominators. This free printable worksheet includes a complete answer key so teachers can quickly check students’ calculations and reasoning.

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Worksheets

Adding and Subtracting Fractions - Unlike denominators

Total questions: 15

Name
Class
Date
1.

What is the LCM for 8 and 4?

a)

32

b)

4

c)

16

d)

8

2.

What is the sum of 3/4 and 2/6?

a)

13/12

b)

6/8

c)

8/24

d)

8/12

3.

Sally ran 6/12 of a mile. Jeremy ran 2/3 of a mile. How much did they run altogether?

a)

5/8 mile

b)

8/12 mile

c)

8/15 mile

d)

1and 2/12 miles

4.

What is the Least Common Denominator for 1/2 and 1/4

a)

8

b)

2

c)

4

d)

16

5.

Ginger bought Christmas ribbon to decorate the house. She used 1/3 of the ribbon to make a wreath and 1/2 of the ribbon for the tree. How much ribbon is left?

a)

1/5

b)

1/6

c)

5/6

d)

1/2

6.

Which expression is equivalent to the sum of

6/12 + 9/12

a)

3/6 + 5/6

b)

1/2 + 3/4

c)

2/12 + 5/12

d)

3/8 + 7/8

7.

Find the difference:

7/9 - 2/5

a)

17/45

b)

5/4

c)

5/9

d)

5/45

8.

Find the sum of 3/8 and 2/6

a)

5/14

b)

17/24

c)

5/8

d)

5/6

9.

Jenny drove 8/10 Km to school. Matt drove 1/4 Km to school. How much more did Jenny drive than Matt?

a)

7/10 Km

b)

11/20 Km

c)

7/40 Km

d)

3/10 Km

10.

Add 6/14 and 1/2

a)

7/16

b)

13/14

c)

7/14

d)

3/4

11.

Find the LCD for 1/3 and 2/9

(a)  

12.

Which shows a way to solve 3/7 + 2/5

a)

Add the numerators first, then add the denominators.

b)

Find the LCD for 7 and 5, then make equivalent fractions and then subtract

c)

Find the LCD for 7 and 5, then make equivalent fractions and then add

d)

Find the LCD for 7 and 5, then multiply both numerators by 5.

13.

Add 5/8 and 3/12

a)

8/12

b)

8/16

c)

15/24

d)

21/24

14.

What is the first step in finding the Least common Denominator for two fractions?

a)

List all of the multiples of each numerator

b)

Multiply the numerators together

c)

Add the denominators

d)

List the first few multiples of each denominator

15.

Add 1/3 + 7/10

a)

1 and 1/30

b)

8/13

c)

8/30

d)

8/10

Answer Key

Adding and Subtracting Fractions - Unlike denominators

Total questions: 15

1.
d)

8

2.
a)

13/12

3.
d)

1and 2/12 miles

4.
c)

4

5.
b)

1/6

6.
b)

1/2 + 3/4

7.
a)

17/45

8.
b)

17/24

9.
b)

11/20 Km

10.
b)

13/14

11.
9
12.
c)

Find the LCD for 7 and 5, then make equivalent fractions and then add

13.
d)

21/24

14.
d)

List the first few multiples of each denominator

15.
a)

1 and 1/30

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FAQs

What does this worksheet cover, and how does it help students add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators?

This Grade 5 worksheet targets finding the least common multiple or least common denominator, rewriting fractions as equivalent fractions, and then adding or subtracting. Its 14 multiple-choice items and one fill-in-the-blank item include computation, process-identification, and word problems, so students practice both the steps and their application.

How can I use this worksheet to teach adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?

Use the questions in a sequence: first model listing multiples of the denominators and selecting the LCD, then demonstrate converting both fractions before combining them. Have students explain why the denominators are not added, and use the distance and ribbon word problems to discuss whether the situation requires addition or subtraction.

What mistakes should I watch for when students complete this unlike-denominator fractions worksheet?

Watch for students finding multiples of the numerators instead of the denominators, adding denominators directly, or changing only one fraction before combining. In the word problems, students may also choose the wrong operation, while the equivalent-expression items can reveal whether they recognize a valid rewritten fraction rather than relying on the original appearance.

How do I assign and grade this fractions worksheet?

This worksheet is available as a printable PDF and as a digital quiz on Wayground, and it includes a complete answer key for checking all 15 responses. For printable submissions, teachers can scan student work with the Wayground for Teachers app to grade it efficiently.

How can I differentiate this worksheet for students who need more or less visual space?

In the worksheet’s Advanced Settings, adjust font spacing or choose a larger font size to make the fraction expressions, answer choices, and word problems easier to read. You can also enable a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language while keeping the LCD and equivalent-fraction practice intact.

Where can I find more free worksheets like this on Wayground?

Wayground offers a comprehensive collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to support essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.

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