Adding and Subtracting Fractions With Unlike Denominators MADE EASY!

Connie Hunt, math specialist at Summit, came barreling down the hall (ok, she just had her knee replaced, so barreling may be a slight exaggeration) to show us her new-found "trick" for helping students who continue to struggle with adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.  Check out this video and prepare to be amazed!

OK...I know what some of you are thinking.  And, you're right.  It's imperative for students to UNDERSTAND the concept and not just solve the problem.  But what about those students who can't get past the fact that they "can't do it"?  Maybe giving them a little trick to get the answer will help them build enough confidence so that they will attempt to hear you out as you explain WHY it works or WHY they need to know how to do this anyway.  It might be worth a try.  At any rate, put this little lovely in your toolbox and save it for when you need it! :-)

Don't forget to share what YOU'VE found or done so that we can pass it on.  Thanks for sharing this idea, Connie! :-)