The following worksheets help your students practice estimating the sums and difference of mixed numbers.

Home > Math Worksheets > Fractions > Estimating Sums and Differences with Fractions

When we are estimating a sum or a difference of any value, we must focus on place value. But when we are working with fractions it is a bit different. This selection of worksheets has students take two mixed numbers that do not share the same denominator and you are tasked to find the sum or difference between the two. Your first goal should be to get the mixed numbers on the same footing (denominator).

How do you estimate the sum and difference of fractions? A sum is an answer in an addition problem. You can also estimate the sum of fractions. To estimate a sum of two fractions, round the fractions to the nearest half. Here is an addition problem. 38 + 17 = ? First, round each fraction to the nearest half. Let's start with 38. For a whole it is divided into 8 parts, 12 = 48. 38 is rounded to 12. For a whole divided into 7 parts, one-half is between 37 and 47. 17 is rounded 0. 3812 ≈ 12 ≈ 0 Then, rewrite the problem and find the sum. 12 + 0 = 12. The estimated sum is 12. When talking about a difference, you are talking about subtraction. Estimating the difference between fractions and mixed numbers is similar to estimating sums. Round each fraction or mixed number and then subtract to find the estimate. 45 - 37 = ____________ First, round each fraction to the nearest half. For a whole divided into 5 parts, one-half is between 25 and 35. 45 is rounded to 1. For a whole divided into 7 parts, is one-half is between 37 and 47. 37 is rounded to 12. 4537 ≈ 1 ≈ 12 Then, rewrite the problem and subtract. 1 - 12 = 12. The estimate difference is 12. These worksheets explains how to estimate sums and differences with fractions. Your students will use these activity sheets to learn how to estimate the sums and differences of mixed numbers by rounding according to the fraction.



Get Free Worksheets In Your Inbox!

Print Estimating Sums and Differences with Fractions Worksheets

Click the buttons to print each worksheet and associated answer key.

Estimating Sums and Differences with Fractions Lesson

This worksheet explains how to estimate sums and differences with fractions. The step-by-step solution to a sample problem is presented.

Print Now!

Practice Sheet

We show you a quick way to use this to go after a quickly cleaner solution.

Print

Estimating Sums with Fractions Worksheet

We get you in the habit of forming an estimate and then add what you see.

Print

Estimating Differences with Fractions Worksheet

We would start direct you on how to find a solid estimate for these problems.

Print

Practice Worksheet

You will have to work with mixed numbers where you first find a common denominator and then work towards making them into improper fractions and process your operation.

Print

Skill Warm Up

Students will solve each problem by estimating the sum or difference. Three problems are provided.

Print

This Skill In Your Everday

There are several areas in math and in your everyday life where you can make use of estimation. It can be complicated to add or subtract fractions because they are not whole numbers and represent just a portion of a whole. For this reason, we use estimation to make the job easier. If you know how to estimate t eh sum or difference of to fractions, this can save you a lot of time and effort. To estimate the sum or difference of a fraction, you should know the rules of rounding it to the nearest 1/2. According to these rules, you will round off the fraction to 0, 1/2 or 1. If a fraction has a value of less than 1/4, you will round it off to 0. A fraction that is greater than or equal to 1/4 and less than or equal to 3/4 will be rounded to 1/2. Further, a fraction greater than 3/4 will be rounded up to 1.