The resources in this post will cover:
- introducing and developing understanding of the relationship between improper fractions and mixed numbers,
- the 4th grade standard of adding and subtracting mixed numbers with like denominators,
- the 5th grade standards of adding and subtracting mixed numbers with unlike denominators
- multiplying mixed numbers.
Using Fraction Circles
The best way I have found to help children understand the relationship between improper fractions and mixed numbers, and to be able to solve operations with mixed numbers, is to use hands on manipulatives. For this concept I believe fraction circles are the most helpful as the students can easily tell when the circle is complete.
Since I teach students that math is all about patterns, we make a growing pattern with the fraction circles. For example if we are using fourths we’ll show 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4- what happens when we have 5/4? The kids are easily able to see that they have one complete circle and 1/4 of another one.
Here’s a video example of that method using virtual manipulatives:
While you can use the virtual manipulatives to model, it is important for most kids to work with physical manipulatives to really understand this. You can use plastic or magnetic ones or print them from this free download.
Using Unifix Cubes, Pattern Blocks, and Cuisenaire Rods
Of course fraction circles are not the only manipulative you can use. Here’s a free 4th grade lesson called All Hands In for Improper Fractions where students use unifix cubes to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions.
In this 4th grade lesson Modeling Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers students use pattern blocks.
This fifth grade lesson uses Cuisenaire Rods.
Free Printables for Instruction
Math Doodle Foldable for Adding/Subtracting Mixed Numbers With Regrouping
5th Grade Flowchart/graphic organizer for interactive notebook
5th grade adding/subtracting mixed numbers notes
Online Videos For Students to Watch
Maths With Lego: Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers
Math Antics: Adding Mixed Numbers
Math Antics: Subtracting Mixed Numbers
Super Easy Math: Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers
Khan Academy Multiply Mixed Numbers
Online Resources and Games For Practice
Study Jams: Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers. Step by step guided practice through word problems.
Clara Fraction’s Ice Cream Shop game to convert improper fractions to mixed numbers
Free Printable Activities and Games For Practice
Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions Spiral Card Game (4th grade and up)
Subtracting Mixed Numbers Printable Board Game from Math Geek Mama
Adding/Subtracting Mixed Numbers War game (5th grade)
Matching Activity: Improper fraction, mixed number, and picture
4th grade adding/subtracting mixed numbers practice problems and self evaluation
4th grade Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers cards for centers or scavenger hunt.
Springing Up Mixed Numbers: students solve problems, then sort the answers and glue to create flowers.
One more that isn’t free, but is really cool and is well worth the $3, is these Mixed Number and Improper Fraction Mazes from Idea Galaxy on TPT.
Intervention Resources
Converting a Mixed Number to an Improper Fraction from the National Center on Intensive Intervention. This lesson uses fraction tile manipulatives.
Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers- A Looong Journey by Surfing to Success
Enrichment
Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers Printable Tarsia Puzzle