Lesson Plan

James R. Wallbaum

Subject & Topic: Math 10-4 Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators
1/31/14
Page: 264

Date:

Time Required: 70 mins

Standards:
CC.5.NF.1 Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators by replacing
given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an
equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators.
Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to subtract fractions with unlike denominators.
Assessment:
Informal assessment of independent practice problems 11 20.
Homework 10-4
Adaptations and Accommodations:
Students can continue to use handout to find least common multiple.
Students will work in partners for scaffolding purposes during independent
practice.
Resources:
Projector, white board, handout, book: Envision Math, homework 10-4
Prerequisite Skills:
Subtracting fractions with like denominators. Finding least common
multiples.
Academic Language:
Least Common Denominator, Equivalent Fraction
Anticipatory Set:
Review homework 10-3. Spend time stressing the concept of equivalent
fractions. Draw diagrams to show that one half is the same as 2/4ths, etc.
Statement of Objective or Purpose:
You have subtracted fractions with like denominators. Today you will learn
to subtract fractions with unlike denominators.

Sequence of Activities:

Rocket Math.
Review homework.
Stress equivalent fractions, using diagrams.
Teach 3-step process to subtracting fractions with unlike denominator.
1. Find least common multiple of the denominators. This number
becomes the least common denominator.
2. Write the equivalent fractions that go with the least common
denominator. Whatever you do to the denominator, also do to
the numerator.
3. Carry out problem as you would with fractions that have like
denominators.
Model visual learning problem on page 264.
Model some guided practice problems.
Have students work in partners on independent practice problems 11 20.
Assign homework 10-4.

Questions to ask:

What is a common denominator?

Why do you need a common denominator to subtract fractions?
Why do you have to write equivalent fractions in order to subtract?

Conclusion and Summary:

In order to subtract fractions with unlike denominators, you first need to find
the least common multiple of the fractions denominators. When you have
done this, you may find equivalent fractions and complete the subtraction
problem.
Self Evaluation and Reflection:
Lesson 10-4 was very similar to Lesson 10-3. I thought the lesson was well
received. During the independent practice I was able to trouble-shoot with
many of the students. I think that most students understand the concept
well. The biggest area of concern I noticed was making one mistake in a
multiple step problem that may have led to a wrong answer. These
computation errors can be frustrating. I took time to remind the students to
be careful not to miss the details in their haste to finish problems.