5th Grade · Number & Operations—Fractions

Regrouping Fractions

5.NF.A.1

Definition

Rewriting a mixed number by borrowing one whole as a fraction so subtraction is possible.

Examples

  • 3 1/4 becomes 2 5/4 by borrowing 1 whole as 4/4.
  • 5 1/3 becomes 4 4/3 by borrowing 1 whole as 3/3.

Key rule

Borrow one whole (as a fraction) when the top fraction is too small to subtract.

Memory hook

Borrow a whole, break it into fraction pieces.