Lesson Plan: Subtraction of

Dissimilar Fractions and Mixed

Numbers
Code: M5AL-lg-1
Grade Level: Grade 5
Subject: Mathematics

Competency:
Subtraction of Dissimilar Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Objectives:
1. Identify and convert dissimilar fractions and mixed numbers to equivalent fractions with common
denominators.
2. Perform subtraction operations involving dissimilar fractions and mixed numbers accurately.
3. Apply the concept of subtracting dissimilar fractions and mixed numbers in real-life situations.

Code:
M5AL-lg-1

Grade Level:
Grade 5

Subject:
Mathematics

1. Review
Activity: "Fraction Flashback"
Instructions:

 The teacher displays different types of fractions on the board (like 3/4, 5/8, 7/10).
 Students are asked to recall how to find equivalent fractions and the importance of common
denominators.
 The teacher prompts: "Can anyone tell me why we need common denominators for adding or
subtracting fractions?"

Teacher-Student Dialogue:
Teacher: "Today, we're going to learn how to subtract dissimilar fractions and mixed numbers. But
first, who can remind us how to find equivalent fractions?"
Student: "We multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number."
Teacher: "Exactly! And why is that useful?"
Student: "It helps us make the denominators the same, so we can easily subtract."

2. Motivation
Activity: "Fraction Puzzle Challenge"
Instructions:

 Divide students into small groups.

 Provide each group with a set of fraction puzzle pieces (each piece showing different fractions).
 Their task is to match fractions with equivalent forms and then assemble a complete picture once they
find equivalent fractions with common denominators.
 The first group to complete their puzzle wins.

Teacher-Student Dialogue:
Teacher: "Look at these puzzle pieces. Your goal is to match fractions that are equivalent and can be
used for subtraction. Who thinks they can find a match first?"
Student: "We found that 2/4 is equivalent to 1/2, so we can use that for subtraction."
Teacher: "Great observation! Remember, converting to equivalent fractions makes subtraction easier."

3. Activity - Interactive Workshop

Title: "Fraction Conversion and Subtraction Race"
Instructions:

 Prepare a set of fraction problems involving dissimilar fractions and mixed numbers.
 Students work in pairs, each pair gets a card with a problem.
 They must convert the fractions to equivalent forms with common denominators, then perform the
subtraction.
 Once finished, they raise their hand for the teacher to check.
 The first pair to correctly solve all problems wins a small prize.

Teacher-Student Dialogue:
Teacher: "Here's your card with 3/4 - 2/3. Work together to find a common denominator, convert, then
subtract."
Student: "The common denominator is 12. So 3/4 becomes 9/12 and 2/3 becomes 8/12. Now subtract
9/12 - 8/12."
Teacher: "Excellent! What's the result?"
Student: "It's 1/12."
Teacher: "Perfect! Keep it up, everyone."

4. Analysis
Activity: "Step-by-Step Group Discussion"
Instructions:

 Students are given a complex subtraction problem involving mixed numbers, e.g., 4 1/2 - 2 2/3.
 In groups, students break down the problem into steps: convert mixed numbers, find common
denominators, perform subtraction.
 Each group presents their step-by-step solution to the class.

Teacher-Student Dialogue:
Teacher: "Let's analyze the problem 4 1/2 - 2 2/3. What's our first step?"
Student: "Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions."
Teacher: "Exactly. Can someone show us how?"
Student: "4 1/2 is 9/2, and 2 2/3 is 8/3."
Teacher: "Good. What's next?"
Student: "Find a common denominator."
Teacher: "Yes, and then?"
Student: "Convert to common denominators, subtract, then simplify."

5. Abstraction
Activity: "Generalization Chart"
Instructions:

 Students create a chart summarizing the steps for subtracting dissimilar fractions and mixed numbers.
 Include rules for converting mixed numbers, finding common denominators, and simplifying results.
 Share and discuss the chart with the class.

Teacher-Student Dialogue:
Teacher: "Let's compile what we've learned into a clear chart. Who can tell me the first rule?"
Student: "Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions."
Teacher: "Excellent. And after that?"
Student: "Find a common denominator."
Teacher: "Right, then?"
Student: "Subtract the numerators, keep the denominator, and simplify if needed."

6. Application
Problem:
Maria has 2 1/2 meters of ribbon. She uses 1 2/3 meters for a craft. How much ribbon does she have
left?

Solution:

 Convert to improper fractions: 2 1/2 = 5/2, 1 2/3 = 5/3

 Find common denominator: 6
 Convert: 5/2 = 15/6, 5/3 = 10/6
 Subtract: 15/6 - 10/6 = 5/6
 Answer: Maria has 5/6 meters of ribbon left.

Teacher-Student Dialogue:
Teacher: "Imagine Maria has 2 1/2 meters of ribbon and uses 1 2/3 meters. How much does she have
left?"
Student: "Convert to improper fractions, then find common denominator."
Teacher: "Exactly! What is the result?"
Student: "5/6 meters."
Teacher: "Great application of what we've learned."

7. Assessment
Questions:

1. Convert 3 1/4 to an improper fraction.

  Answer: 13/4

2. True or False: To subtract dissimilar fractions, you must first find equivalent fractions with the same
denominator.

 Answer: True

3. What is 7/8 - 3/4?

 Answer: 1/8

4. Fill in the blank: 5 2/3 = ____/ ____ when converted to an improper fraction.

 Answer: 17/3

5. Simplify: 9/12 - 1/4.

 Answer: 1/3

8. Assignment
Homework:

 Solve the following problems:

i. Subtract 3 1/2 - 1 2/5.

ii. Find the difference: 5/6 - 2/3.
iii. A gardener has 4 3/4 meters of wire. He uses 1 5/8 meters for a project. How much wire remains?

 Write a short paragraph explaining the steps you used to subtract dissimilar fractions and mixed
numbers.

Additional Resources:
5 Questions and Answers:
Question Answer
1. Convert 2 2/5 to an improper fraction. 12/5
2. True or False: You can subtract fractions with different denominators without
False
converting.
3. What is 4/5 - 1/2? 3/10
4. Simplify: 10/15 - 2/5. 2/5
1 1/2
5. If you have 3 1/4 meters of cloth and use 1 3/4 meters, how much is left?
meters

3 Interactive Activities:
1. Fraction Conversion Relay: Students race to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions and vice
versa.
2. Dissimilars Matching Game: Match fractions with their equivalent forms with different
denominators.
3. Story Problem Challenge: Students create their own real-life story problems involving subtracting
dissimilar fractions and present solutions to the class.