FREE Exciting Subtracting Mixed Numbers Activity

Your children will love this subtracting mixed number activity. The bright and colorful puzzles make practicing this challenging skill more fun!

You can get this free download by clicking on the teal button at the end of this post. 

Alright, guys, it has just been downright hot here…..and that was May. We have had record breaking temps and already I’m trying to find activities that get my kids energy out and keep them cool. And one thing that they all seem to love after playing in the sweltering sun is a popsicle. 

Well, these popsicle puzzles aren’t edible and cooling,  but they are a fun way to practice subtracting mixed fractions when regrouping is required. 

So we here we go, a subtracting mixed numbers activity. 

Prep-Work:

These do require a little prep-work….but they can be used over and over again. 

1. Print off the puzzles on card stock paper.
2. Next, cut them out and then laminate them. 
3. If you want to use this as a grade, provide pencil and paper for them to record their answer. 

Subtracting Mixed Numbers Activity

I’m working on another post right now, that uses manipulatives to teach this concept. But for now, here is how to do the math. 

As you can see we start with four wholes, but we need to 1 and 1/3. We have to do a little regrouping. We take one whole away from the four, and change it into a fraction. 

Now we can say we have 3 3/3, and it is simple to do the subtraction now.

3/3 – 1/3 = 2/3 and 3 – 1 = 2 

So our answer is 2 2/3.

Here is another one: 

1 1/3  – 2/3. 

Once again, I can’t subtract 1/3 – 2/3, so regrouping is needed….and I will use one whole to do this. 

One whole equal 3/3 and when I add the 1/3 I already have, I now I have 4/3.

4/3 – 2/3 = 2/3

I hope your children enjoy this colorful subtracting mixed numbers activity. 

You’ve Got This,

Rachel

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This adding fractions game using visual models.

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