Our Dividing Fraction Algorithm- Reciprocal

  1. Look at the problem and then change any whole numbers and/or mixed numbers to an improper fraction.

2. Change the second fraction to its reciprocal and the division sign to a   multiplication sign.

Ex. ½ / ¾ = ½ x 4/3 =

3.  Multiply across.

Ex. 1 x 4 and 2 x 3

4. Simplify if needed.

November 2, 2009. Fractions, Math. No Comments.

Our Dividing Fraction Algorithm- Common Denominators

  1. Look at the problem and then change any whole numbers and/or mixed numbers to an improper fraction.

2.Find and change fractions to common denominators.

Ex. 1/3 ÷ 2/5= 5/15 ÷ 6/15=

3. Divide numerators.

Ex. 5÷6= 5/6

4. Divide denominators.

5. Simplify if needed.

November 2, 2009. Fractions, Math. No Comments.

Our Fraction Multiplication Algorithm

1) Look to see if there are mixed numbers or whole numbers in your problem.

2) If there are mixed numbers or whole numbers then change them to improper fractions.

Ex. 12= 12/1         1 2/3= 5/3

3) Multiply the numerators across to get the answer’s numerator.

Ex. ¾ x ½ = 3 x 1=3

4) Multiply the denominators across to get the answer’s denominator.

Ex. ¾ x ½ = 4 x 2=8

5) Simplify your answer

October 16, 2009. Fractions, Math. No Comments.

Our Fraction Addition & Subtraction Algorithm

1) Look at the fractions in the problem to see if they have common denominators. Ex. ½ + ¼=

2) If the denominators are not the same, then change the fractions   to equivalent fractions. Ex. ½=2/4 2/4 + ¼=

3) Add or subtract the numerators together (not the denominators)

Ex. 2/4+1/4= (2+1) ¾

4) If the second fraction is bigger then the first fraction you will need to borrow from the whole number.

Ex. 1 ¼ – ¾= 5/4 -3/4= 2/4

5)Move the denominator over to your answer.

Ex. 5/4 – 3/4 = 2/4

6) Add or subtract your whole numbers if there.

7) Simplify the answer if needed.

Ex. 2/4= 1/2

October 13, 2008. Fractions, Math. No Comments.

Improper Fraction to Mixed Number

We have been reviewing how to change a mixed number to an improper fraction and from an improper fraction to a mixed number. For example, 13/7 = 1 6/7. 7 goes into 13 1 whole time with 6 left over, so 1 is your whole number 6 is your numerator and 7 stays as your denominator. Here is another example, 3 2/3 =11/3 because 3/3 equals 1 whole so 9/3 equals 3 wholes, then you add the numerator to 9 and that answer becomes your numerator and the denominator stays the same.

I have been giving them openers to review and plenty of chances to ask for help. Please ask questions when you don’t understand!! Also, those who are struggling to pay attention need to work on finding ways to get yourself involved in the class discussions so you know what is going on.

September 25, 2007. Fractions, Math. No Comments.

Equivalent Fractions

Knowing how to find an equivalent fraction is extremely important.  This is a skill that my students should have came into 6th grade with but if not I will try to do my best and get them caught up to where they should be in 6th grade.

Equivalent fractions are fractions that look different but are equal. For example, 1/2=2/4.

We have been working with our fraction benchmarks to help us understand equivalent fractions. Some of our benchmarks include- 1/2, 1/4, 1/3, 3/4, 2/3, 0 & 1.

3/4 x 2/2= 6/8

September 14, 2007. Fractions, Math. No Comments.