Learn on PengiEureka Math, Grade 5Chapter 17: Making Like Units Numerically

Lesson 2: Add fractions making like units numerically.

In this Grade 5 Eureka Math lesson from Chapter 17, students learn how to add fractions with unlike denominators by creating like units numerically, moving beyond visual models to a more abstract, algebraic approach. Using problems such as adding fifths and halves, students practice finding common units and rewriting fractions before combining them. The lesson builds directly on earlier pictorial strategies to prepare students for fluent fraction addition without relying on diagrams.

Section 1

Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Property

To add fractions with unlike denominators, convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator, then add the numerators. A common denominator can be found by multiplying the two denominators.

ab+cd=ad+cbbd\frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ad + cb}{bd}

Examples

Section 2

Adding Fractions Using the Least Common Denominator

Property

To add fractions with unlike denominators, an efficient method is to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
This LCM is the least common denominator (LCD) and is used to create equivalent fractions with the smallest possible like unit.

Examples

Book overview

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Chapter 17: Making Like Units Numerically

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Add fractions to and subtract fractions from whole numbers using equivalence and the number line as strategies.

  2. Lesson 2Current

    Lesson 2: Add fractions making like units numerically.

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Add fractions with sums greater than 2.

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 4: Subtract fractions with unlike units using the strategy of creating equivalent fractions.

  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 5: Subtract fractions greater than or equal to 1.

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

Expand

Section 1

Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Property

To add fractions with unlike denominators, convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator, then add the numerators. A common denominator can be found by multiplying the two denominators.

ab+cd=ad+cbbd\frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ad + cb}{bd}

Examples

Section 2

Adding Fractions Using the Least Common Denominator

Property

To add fractions with unlike denominators, an efficient method is to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
This LCM is the least common denominator (LCD) and is used to create equivalent fractions with the smallest possible like unit.

Examples

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 17: Making Like Units Numerically

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Add fractions to and subtract fractions from whole numbers using equivalence and the number line as strategies.

  2. Lesson 2Current

    Lesson 2: Add fractions making like units numerically.

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Add fractions with sums greater than 2.

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 4: Subtract fractions with unlike units using the strategy of creating equivalent fractions.

  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 5: Subtract fractions greater than or equal to 1.