1. Math Strategy: Butterfly Fractions
Jennifer Goodman

2. Functional Math and Authentic Fractions
Homemaking Skills
Measuring Ingredients
Measuring Fabric
Cost Comparisons
Consumer Skills
Making Change
Shopping
Buying on Time
Auto Care
Measuring Spark Plug Gaps
Using Correct Sockets for Repairs
Construction
Measuring for cutting
Appropriate wrench or screw size

3. Butterfly Fractions: To add or subtract fractions the butterfly way,
Write the fractions side-by-side as usual and draw two wings along the diagonals made by the numerator of one fraction and the denominator of the other fraction and draw an antenna on each wing.
As suggested by the wings, that look like a multiplication sign, multiply the numbers in each wing and put the product in the antenna for the wing.
Think or say: “This poor butterfly needs a body.” To give it a body, connect the bottom parts of the wings with a body-like loop and multiply the two denominators it connects, putting the product inside the body.
Add or subtract the numbers in the antennae in keeping with what is being done to the fractions and put the result over the number in the body.
If necessary, reduce or simplify the result.

4. Butterfly Fractions

5. Butterfly Fractions Instructional Video
Tutoring Bee
Butterfly Fractions Instructional Video

6. Citations
"Butterfly Fractions: An Easily Remembered Strategy for Adding and Subtracting Fractions
Using Cross Multiplication." Butterfly Fractions: An Easily Remembered Strategy for
Adding and Subtracting Fractions Using Cross Multiplication. Move It Math Source, n.d.
Web. 19 Feb
My Tutoring Bee. "How to Add and Subtract Fractions Using the Butterfly Method (4th and
Up).“YouTube. YouTube, 23 June Web. 19 Feb
Vaughn, Sharon, and Candace S. Bos. Strategies for Teaching Students with Learning and
Behavior Problems. 9th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson, Print.