Fractions overview

Our class has been working hard on fractions the last couple of weeks. We have already done a test for adding and subtracting fractions which we made flash cards to use to study. Next week we will be doing a test on multiplying and dividing fractions, as well as finding a fraction of a whole. Below are some tips to help the boys study for our test and a great game they can use to practice.

RULE FOR ALL FRACTIONS WORK: Always simplify your answers!

ADDING AND SUBTRACTING FRACTIONS

Rule - the denominator must be made the same before adding or subtracting. You only add or subtract the numerator, the denominator stays the same.

ADDING
2/3 + 4/12 =
Step 1 - Change the denominator to be the same using equivalent fraction knowledge
2/3 + 1/3 =
Step 2 - Add the numerators but keep the denominator the same
3/3
Step 3 - Simplify your answer
3/3 = 1

SUBTRACTING

4/5 - 2/10 =
Step 1 - Change the denominator to be the same using equivalent fraction knowledge
4/5 - 1/5 =
Step 2 - Subtract the numerators but keep the denominator the same.
3/5
Step 3 - Simplify the answer if you can
3/5

FINDING A FRACTION OF A WHOLE

3/4 of 12 =
Step 1 - divide the whole number by the denominator
12 divided by 4 = 3
Step 2 - multiply the answer you get by the numerator and that is your answer
3 x 3 = 9

MULTIPLYING FRACTIONS

Rule - The denominator doesn't have to be the same to multiply

4/8 x 3/12 =
Step 1 - Simplify your fractions separately as much as possible first.
1/2 x 1/4 =
Step 2 - Multiply numerators and denominators
1 x 1                      1
____      =        ______

2 x 4                      8

Step 3 - Simplify answer if possible

DIVIDING FRACTIONS

http://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions_division.html - this website will explain for you.
Rule - always circle the operation and second fraction to remind you to change them

2/3 divided by 4/5 =
Step 1 - Change divided by to multiply (inverse operation) and turn the second fraction around
2/3 x 5/4 =
Step 2 - Complete exactly like normal multiplying. Multiply numerators and denominators.
2 x 5                  10
_____     =      ______

3 x 4                   12
Step 3 - Simplify answer
=5/6

http://www.math-play.com/Fractions-Jeopardy/fractions-jeopardy.html
This is a great game to play to revise what we have learnt.