--- title: "Adding and subtracting fractions with the same bottom number within one whole" description: "Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator within one whole (e.g. 5/7 + 1/7 = 6/7)" canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/adding-and-subtracting-fractions-with-the-same-bottom-number-within-one-whole-mt_a1FdAsRKOF source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/adding-and-subtracting-fractions-with-the-same-bottom-number-within-one-whole-mt_a1FdAsRKOF.md retrieved: 2026-11-12 --- > **Agent view.** This is the Markdown twin of the page, for tools and assistants. > When to use this site, and the call that answers each job: https://lightmysky.com/agent-instructions.md > API description (OpenAPI 3.1): https://lightmysky.com/openapi.json · Authentication: https://lightmysky.com/auth.md > Pricing: https://lightmysky.com/pricing.md · Catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms.txt · Full catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms-full.txt > Every machine-readable file on this domain: https://lightmysky.com/.well-known/ai-catalog.json > Ask for Markdown with `Accept: text/markdown`, a `.md` address, or `?mode=agent`. # Adding and subtracting fractions with the same bottom number within one whole Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator within one whole (e.g. 5/7 + 1/7 = 6/7) Subject: Mathematics · Area: Fractions · Ages 7 to 8 Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/adding-and-subtracting-fractions-with-the-same-bottom-number-within-one-whole-mt_a1FdAsRKOF ## Ready when they can - Calculate 2/5 + 2/5 = 4/5 - Calculate 6/8 − 3/8 = 3/8 - Explain that when denominators are the same, you add/subtract the numerators ## Lesson: When the bottom numbers match The bottom number, or denominator, counts equal parts in one whole. The top number, or numerator, counts the parts you have. Use the same whole or unit when joining amounts. With matching bottom numbers, add the tops and keep the bottom. To find a missing added part, subtract the known part from the total. *(drawing: Five fifths fill one whole. When the top and bottom numbers match, all the parts are included.)* **Example.** To subtract matching fractions, take away the top numbers and keep the bottom. For 7/9 - 2/9, count seven ninths and remove two. Five ninths remain: 7/9 - 2/9 = 5/9. **Example.** A ribbon measures 5/7 meter. Ravi cuts off 1/7 meter. The pieces are sevenths of a meter, so 5 - 1 leaves four of them: 4/7 meter. For two cuts, subtract each cut in turn from the amount left. Check the bottom numbers before counting pieces together. Fifths join directly with fifths. Fifths and fourths are different-size parts of the same whole. Those parts need a new matching name before you can add their top numbers. Adding matching fractions does not recut the whole. For 1/6 + 2/6, the three pieces are still sixths: 3/6. Adding the bottoms would name twelfths instead, which are smaller pieces. Keep the original piece size by keeping the bottom number. In a measuring story, name the whole you are using. If a jug holds seven cups, each cup is 1/7 of its capacity. Four cups of juice are 4/7 of that capacity. Pouring out one cup leaves three cups, or 3/7 of the jug's capacity. Taking away all of an amount leaves zero. Subtract matching top numbers to get 0, and keep the bottom number. To write a joining story as an equation, put each amount beside a plus sign, then write the total after the equals sign. **Recap.** Same bottom number? Just add or subtract the top numbers, and keep the bottom number the same. *Lesson, questions and flashcards written for this learning dataset.* ## Practice 17 questions on this page, each with its working shown. ## Needs first - [Fractions on a number line](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/fractions-on-a-number-line-mt_Kr3IyA6m-O) ## Optional connections - [Addition as combining or putting together two groups](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/addition-as-combining-or-putting-together-two-groups-mt_OvyoRo47K-) ## Opens up - [Adding fractions (same denominator)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/adding-fractions-same-denominator-mt_CBHwluE6Lp) - [Precision in mathematical language and notation](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/precision-in-mathematical-language-and-notation-mt_HY8Yycu_rz) - [Solving problems with fractions (age 7+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/solving-problems-with-fractions-age-7-mt_SsLWS_APM7)