Practice Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Math with Mr. J

This educational math video serves as a "Mastery Check" for 5th-grade students learning to subtract fractions with unlike denominators. Hosted by "Mr. J," the video presents four practice problems on a digital chalkboard and encourages students to pause the video, solve them independently, and then watch the step-by-step solutions. The format is designed to transition students from passive viewing to active problem-solving. The core themes explored include finding common denominators, renaming fractions to create equivalent fractions, subtracting numerators, and simplifying results to their simplest form. The video specifically targets the skill of handling unlike denominators by finding the least common multiple (LCM) to create a common base for subtraction. For educators, this video is an excellent formative assessment tool or independent practice station. It allows teachers to quickly gauge student understanding of fraction subtraction mechanics. The self-checking nature of the video fosters metacognition, helping students identify exactly where their process might be breaking down—whether in finding multiples, converting fractions, or basic subtraction arithmetic.