Adding fractions that have the same denominator by adding the numerators.
Where your child meets this in real life: Adding portions of the same item (⅓ + ⅓ of a cake)
SEAGReady breaks add fractions (same denominator) into 3 steps, taught in order so each skill builds on the last.
Add two fractions with the same denominator where the result is less than 1
Add fractions with the same denominator where the sum is greater than or equal to 1, and convert the improper fraction to a mixed number
Add fractions with the same denominator and simplify the result to lowest terms
Try three free questions from our add fractions (same denominator) course. They start easy and get harder, so you can see where your child's confidence runs out. If they manage the last one without a hint, this topic is probably secure. If not, the steps above show where to start.
Roisin uses 2/5 of a banana, then another 1/5. The two portions are shown. What fraction did she use altogether?
James ran 4/5 of a lap around the track, rested, then ran another 3/5 of a lap. How far did he run in total? Give your answer as a mixed number.
A water tank is 4/20 full. After rain, it fills another 6/20. What fraction of the tank is now full? Give your answer in its simplest form.
This is the exact interactive worked example your child sees in SEAGReady. Step through it and watch the method build up.
Alice is making a smoothie. She uses 2/5 of a banana in the morning and 1/5 of the same banana later.
What fraction of the banana did she use altogether?
2/5 + 1/5
Both fractions are fifths (denominator is 5)
Step 1 of 4
Alice is making a smoothie. She uses 2/5 of a banana in the morning and 1/5 of the same banana later.
What fraction of the banana did she use altogether?
Alice used 3/5 of the banana altogether.
The key insight: When denominators are the same, just add the numerators - the pieces are already the same size!
Common mix-up: 2/5 + 1/5 = 3/10. Adding the denominators too! Only add the numerators - the denominator stays the same.
These are the misconceptions we see most often in add fractions (same denominator), including the ones our practice questions are specifically designed to catch.
Struggling with add fractions (same denominator)? The real gap is often in one of these earlier topics.
Sitting the SEAG test this November? Read our last-month revision plan, Paper 1 vs Paper 2 and test day guide.
SEAGReady finds the exact step where your child gets stuck, teaches it with worked examples like the one above, and brings it back for review so it sticks.
Free to start · no card needed