Math · Stage 3
Add & Subtract Fractions (Same Bottom)
Same denominator? Add or subtract the tops, keep the bottom — then make the answer as simple as it goes.
✦ Math📘 Stage 3 · S3⏱ ~10 min🧒 Ages 7–8★ Free to start
I can add and subtract fractions with the same denominator, giving the answer in its simplest form.
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Kavi Shares the Pizza 🍕
Kavi's pizza is cut into 5 equal slices 🍕. Kavi eats 1 slice, then 2 more. "The bottom stays 5 — the slices are the same size," hoots Kavi. "I just add the tops: 1 + 2 = 3, so I've eaten 3/5! And when the answer can shrink, I make it as simple as it goes."
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What your child will learn
1Add the tops, keep the bottomEvery slice is 1/5 — the same size. Shade 1 slice, then 2 more. The bottom number stays 5 because the pieces don't change size — you only count how many: 1 + 2 = 3 pieces.
2Make the answer simplestAdd 1/6 + 3/6: add the tops, 1 + 3 = 4, keep the bottom → 4/6. But 4 and 6 can both be cut in half! Divide top and bottom by 2: 4 ÷ 2 = 2, 6 ÷ 2 = 3.
3Add the tops — NOT the bottomsWhen the bottoms are the same, the pieces are the same size, so you only add how many there are. The bottom tells the size of each piece — it must stay the same. Tap each card.
4Is it already simplest?
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A peek inside
Kavi eats 1/5 of a pizza 🍕, then 2/5 more. How much has Kavi eaten?
same bottom (5) → add the tops: 1 + 2 = 3 → 3/5; 3 and 5 share no smaller number
Try this at home: 2/7 + 3/7 = __ (add the tops, keep the bottom)
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of Math · Stage 3 · S3 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.