Name:_________________________________________ Date:____________________

Exploring Addition


Directions: In your group, complete the given problems from the correct station. Follow the step-
by-step instructions on how to use your fraction manipulative in order to develop the algorithm for
addition of fractions. Have fun!

Station 1: Area Model
Step 1: Label the shaded plots A and B as fractions out of the wholes. You may use any denominators
you choose.


A: __________ out of ________
B: __________ out of ________



Step 2: Add together plots A and B using computation or any method you choose.

A + B = ______________

Did you use common denominators? If so, why? If not, why not?



Station 2: Set Model using Counters
Add

2
5

1
3


Step 1: Set up two sets of 15 colored counters like demonstrated in class. Arrange the color counters
yellow side up. Create two different sets to represent two wholes.

Step 2: Turn over the correct fraction of color counters to red in order to create

2
5
of one set and

1
3
of the
other.

Step 3: Add together the red color counters.
What fraction does this represent out of 15 colored counters? ____________

Is this denominator the same as the denominator of

2
5
or

1
3
? ___________


B A
Station 3: Pie Fractions
Add

2
3

1
4


Step 1: Take two

1
3
pie pieces and a

1
4
pie piece and place them together in a circle formation. Draw
here.






Step 2: Decide what fraction of the whole pie is missing.
What is this missing fraction out of the whole? __________

Step 3: Using that information, what is the sum of

2
3
and

1
4
? _____________

What do you notice about the denominator of the final answer? Is it the same as the denominators of

2
3
and

1
4
?


Station 4: Fraction Bars
Add

5
6

1
2


Step 1: Use the blue strip. This represents the whole.

Step 2: Pick colored strips that can represent

5
6
of the whole and one that represents

1
2
of the whole.

Step 3: Line up the two colored strips for

5
6
and

1
2
next to each other, under the whole in order to see the
comparison to the whole.
What do you notice about the piece left over out of the whole?


What is the fraction that is larger than the whole? ___________

What is your final answer for

5
6
+

1
2
? _______________

Exploration: Come up with your own algorithm or way of solving addition of fraction problems.