Fractions — 4th Grade Lesson
Students will find equivalent fractions, add and subtract fractions with like denominators, and find a fraction of a whole number.
4th Grade · Fractions · ~25 min lesson
Review: the two parts of a fraction
- Numerator (top) — how many parts you have.
- Denominator (bottom) — how many equal parts total.
Adding fractions with like denominators
When denominators are the same, add only the numerators and keep the denominator.
1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4 (NOT 3/8!)
Subtracting fractions with like denominators
Same idea: subtract the numerators, keep the denominator.
3/5 - 1/5 = 2/5
Equivalent fractions
Equivalent fractions name the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and bottom by the same number.
1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8
Simplifying
Simplifying (or reducing) a fraction means dividing the top and bottom by the same number until it can’t go further.
4/8 → divide both by 4 → 1/2
Fraction of a number
To find 3/4 of 8:
- Divide by the denominator: 8 ÷ 4 = 2
- Multiply by the numerator: 2 × 3 = 6
Fractions equal to 1
When the numerator equals the denominator, the fraction is the whole: 3/3 = 1.
How to practice at home
- Fraction strips to see that 1/2 = 2/4.
- Pizza problems: “eat 1/4, then 2/4 more — how much total?”
- Find the fraction of a number with real objects (3/4 of 8 crackers).
- Simplify practice: reduce everyday fractions to lowest terms.
Practice with the exercises above, then download these free printable worksheets:
Practice Exercises
Try these on your own, then reveal the answer to check.
What is 1/4 + 2/4?
💡 Add the numerators only: 1 + 2 = 3, denominator stays 4.
What is 3/5 - 1/5?
💡 Subtract the numerators: 3 - 1 = 2.
Which fraction is equivalent to 1/2?
💡 Multiply the top and bottom by the same number.
What is 3/4 of 8?
💡 8 ÷ 4 = 2, then 2 × 3 = 6.
Simplify 4/8.
💡 Divide the top and bottom by 4.
What is 2/3 + 1/3?
💡 3/3 is the whole thing, which equals 1.
Printable Worksheets
Put this lesson into practice with free, printable worksheets — each with an answer key.
Before You Start
- 3rd grade fraction foundations
- Multiplication facts
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Adding denominators when adding fractions (1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4, not 3/8)
- Thinking the denominator changes when you add
What to Learn Next
Browse more Fractions worksheets or explore all 4th Grade worksheets.
Related Worksheets
Adding Fractions with Like Denominators Worksheet
Add fractions that share a denominator by adding the top numbers and keeping the bottom number the same.
Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators Worksheet
Subtract fractions that share a denominator by subtracting the top numbers and keeping the bottom number.
Equivalent Fractions Worksheet
Practice finding equivalent fractions by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number.
Comparing Fractions Worksheet
Compare two fractions with <, >, or = — and learn to reason about the size of the pieces, not just the digits.
Fraction of a Number Worksheet
Find a fraction of a number by dividing by the denominator, then multiplying by the numerator.
Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers Worksheet
Multiply a fraction by a whole number by multiplying the numerator and keeping the denominator.
Halloween Fractions: Pumpkin Pie Worksheet
Each bar is a pumpkin pie cut into equal slices. Write the fraction that is shaded.
Equivalent Fractions with Models Worksheet
Use each bar model to find an equivalent fraction — the same amount, named with different numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fractions does a 4th grader need to master?
Equivalent fractions, comparing fractions, adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators, and finding a fraction of a whole number (like 3/4 of 8).
How do I add fractions with like denominators?
Add only the numerators and keep the denominator the same. 1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4. The denominator tells how many parts, which doesn't change when you join parts of the same size.
Original & reviewed. Every worksheet is created in-house from a grade-level skill brief, checked for a correct answer key, and reviewed for grade-appropriateness. Our editorial policy.