Adding Fractions (Year 6)

Add and subtract fractions with the same and related denominators.

The questions below are generated to match the National Curriculum for Year 6 and get harder as you progress from Rookie to Guru.

Worked examples

RookieRead and interpret directly.

Find 3/4 of 60.

  • 45
  • 15
  • 20
  • 180

Answer: 45. 60 ÷ 4 = 15; × 3 = 45.

ProCompare and infer.

Tom eats 1/3 of a cake. Then he eats 1/4 of what's left. What fraction is GONE?

  • 1/2
  • 7/12
  • 1/3
  • 5/12

Answer: 1/2. After 1/3 eaten: 2/3 left. 1/4 of 2/3 = 1/6. Total: 1/3 + 1/6 = 1/2.

GuruMulti-step reasoning.

Sam writes 1/4 + 1/6 = 2/10. Which statement correctly explains the mistake?

  • Nothing is wrong — you add the numerators and add the denominators.
  • The answer should be 2/12 — keep the numerators but use the common denominator.
  • Use a common denominator (12): 3/12 + 2/12 = 5/12.
  • Sam should have multiplied: 1/4 × 1/6.

Answer: Use a common denominator (12): 3/12 + 2/12 = 5/12.. You can't add denominators. Rewrite over a common denominator (12): 1/4 = 3/12, 1/6 = 2/12, then add the numerators.

Related skills

Frequently asked questions

What is adding fractions?
Add and subtract fractions with the same and related denominators.
How can my child practise adding fractions at home?
Work through the examples below, then start a free adaptive session. Northstar adjusts the difficulty automatically and tracks mastery over time.

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