4th Grade Math Lesson

Bakery Batch Math: Adding & Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators

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4th GradeBTC Vertical Whiteboard FramingCCSS.4.NF.B.350 min

Learning Objective

Students will add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators by decomposing wholes, combining unit fractions, and regrouping across wholes to solve bakery word problems, justifying reasoning with labeled tape diagrams and equations.

Lesson Overview

Students work in random groups of 3 at vertical non-permanent surfaces, progressing from adding unit fractions with like denominators through regrouping mixed numbers in subtraction, using a commercial bakery ingredient-tracking context throughout.

Materials

Vertical whiteboards or large chart paper taped to walls
Dry-erase markers (multiple colors per group)
Erasers or paper towels
Random group cards or popsicle sticks for grouping
Printed tape-diagram reference strips (optional anchor)
Exit slip half-sheets (printed)

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1

Bakery Task 1 — Morning Flour Check

The bakery used

\frac{2}{6}

of a bin of flour for muffins and

\frac{3}{6}

of a bin for bread loaves.

1. Draw a tape diagram on your whiteboard divided into

6

equal parts. Label each jump of

\frac{1}{6}

.
2. Show both amounts on the diagram.
3. Write an equation:

\frac{2}{6} + \frac{3}{6} =___

[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]

2Task 2

Bakery Task 2 — Sugar Bin Tracking

The bakery used

\frac{3}{8}

of a bin of sugar for cookies and

\frac{4}{8}

of a bin for cake batter.

1. Draw a tape diagram with

8

equal parts.
2. Write the equation and solve:

\frac{3}{8} + \frac{4}{8} =___

3. Is the total more than, equal to, or less than

1

whole bin? How do you know from the diagram?

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