Learn · adding fractions
Adding Fractions With Like Denominators
Add the tops. Keep the bottom. And here's why the bottom stays put.
Add the top numbers and keep the bottom number. 2/8 + 3/8 = 5/8. The bottom tells you the size of the slices, and adding doesn't change the size of the slices. To subtract, take away the tops and keep the bottom.
See it
Two eighths and three eighths make five eighths, just like 2 cookies and 3 cookies make 5 cookies. “Eighths” is the name of what you're counting.
How to add fractions with like denominators
- Check the bottoms match. In 1/6 + 4/6, both are 6.
- Add the tops: 1 + 4 = 5.
- Keep the bottom: 6.
- Write the answer: 5/6. Simplify it if you can.
Why you never add the bottoms
Try it: 1/4 + 1/4. Adding the bottoms gives 2/8, which equals 1/4. You added something and ended up where you started! The right answer is 2/4, which is one half.
Subtracting works the same way
Take away the tops and keep the bottom. 5/8 − 2/8 = 3/8. A customer ate two slices, and the slices left are still eighths.
Worked examples
| Sum | Add or take away the tops | Answer | Simplified |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/5 + 2/5 | 1 + 2 = 3 | 3/5 | Already simple |
| 3/8 + 3/8 | 3 + 3 = 6 | 6/8 | 3/4 |
| 2/3 + 1/3 | 2 + 1 = 3 | 3/3 | 1 whole |
| 7/10 − 2/10 | 7 − 2 = 5 | 5/10 | 1/2 |
| 5/6 − 1/6 | 5 − 1 = 4 | 4/6 | 2/3 |
| 11/12 − 4/12 | 11 − 4 = 7 | 7/12 | Already simple |
Drag the boxes together
Combine Boxes turns adding into a physical move: two boxes, one pile of slices.
Free to play · no signup · works on phones, tablets and computers
Adding fractions FAQ
Why do the denominators stay the same when you add?
Because the denominator names the size of the piece. Adding counts more pieces of that size. The pieces themselves don't change.
What if the answer is more than 1?
That's fine. 3/4 + 3/4 = 6/4, which is 1 and 2/4, or 1 and a half. Our game keeps answers at 1 or below, so kids can focus on the idea first.
What about different denominators?
Then the slices are different sizes and you have to make them match first. Here's how, step by step.
Is the fraction game really free?
Yes. The whole game plays free in your browser, with no signup, no ads and no time limit. A Fraction Bakery app for iPhone is coming later, but the web game stays free.
Take the bakery with you, soon
A Fraction Bakery app for iPhone is on the way. The plan: offline play for the car, a parent report of which fractions have stuck, and the full bakery shelf of prizes. Until then, the whole game is free right here.
Coming soon on theApp Store