Mathematics Fractionsusually ages 10–11

Adding Fractions (Unlike Denominators)

Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions to produce a common denominator

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

Compute 2/3 + 5/4 by converting to twelfths: 8/12 + 15/12 = 23/12
Subtract 1 3/5 from 3 1/4 using a common denominator
Explain the strategy of finding a common denominator and verify using a visual model

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Try this together

If a recipe uses 2/3 of a cup of one ingredient and 3/4 of another, can your child add those fractions together — even though the denominators are different?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on

Adding fractions (different denominators)ages 9–10Unlike-denominator add/sub extends Y5 add/sub with related denominators

Simplifying Fractionsages 10–11Finding common denominators requires simplification/common multiples skills

Mixed numbers and improper fractionsages 9–10Mixed number operations benefit from mixed/improper conversion

Adding Fractions (Unlike Denominators)this skill · ages 10–11

Unlocks

Fraction Word Problemsages 10–11Word problems require the computational skill of adding/subtracting unlike-denominator fractions

Understanding fractionsages 10–11Solving problems with fraction data requires unlike-denominator addition

Mixed & Improper Fractionsages 11–13Four operations with all number types builds on adding/subtracting fractions with unlike denominators

One Quantity as a Fractionages 11–12Adding/subtracting fractions with unlike denominators is needed when comparing fractional parts

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Candidate matches to official curriculum codes — machine-suggested, unreviewed (v0.1).

Show candidate curriculum codes · 3 ACARA · 2 NSW · 3 VIC

Australian Curriculum v9 candidate

AC9M6N05high confidenceYear 6 · Number

solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions using knowledge of equivalent fractions

AC9M5N05high confidenceYear 5 · Number

solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions with the same or related denominators, using different strategies

AC9M4N03medium confidenceYear 4 · Number

find equivalent representations of fractions using related denominators and make connections between fractions and decimal notation

NSW syllabus codes & stages only

MA3-RQF-01high confidenceMathematics K-10 · Stage 3

MA2-PF-01medium confidenceMathematics K-10 · Stage 2

Victorian Curriculum 2.0 codes & levels only

VC2M5N05high confidenceMathematics · Level 5 · Number strand

VC2M6N05medium confidenceMathematics · Level 6 · Number strand

VC2M5N03medium confidenceMathematics · Level 5 · Number strand

These are candidate alignments generated by semantic matching — machine-suggested and unreviewed (v0.1), not official or verified mappings. For official curriculum content see australiancurriculum.edu.au, curriculum.nsw.edu.au and f10.vcaa.vic.edu.au. Don’t rely on them for registration or compliance purposes.

Nearby on the map

Area with Fractionsages 10–11 Comparing fractions (age 10+)ages 10–11 Decimals and fractions (age 10+)ages 10–11 Dividing by Fractionsages 10–11

All Fractions skills →