Adding and Subtracting Fractions- Change fractions so they have the same denominator.
- Add or subtract numerators only, keep the denominator the same.
- Simplify (reduce to lowest terms).
Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers- Change fractions so they have the same denominator.
- Solve the fraction part of the problem first. You may need to "borrow" or "carry" whole numbers so the fractions work.
- Then add or subtract the whole numbers.
- Simplify (reduce to lowest terms).
Because you asked for it... How to multiply fractions and mixed numbers:
- If there are mixed numbers, change them to improper fractions.
- (Optional) You can reduce the fractions on the diagonal if you want to.
- Multiply numerator times numerator, denominator times denominator.
- Simplify (reduce to lowest terms).
You asked for it, here it is! These are the steps for dividing fractions & mixed numbers.
1. Make all numbers fractions. If you have mixed numbers, change them to improper fractions (denominator * whole number + numerator).
2. Flip the second fraction.
3. Change the operation to multiplication.
4. Multiply numerators by numerators and denominators by denominators.
5. Simplify the fraction.
Good luck!
It seems like we've been working on fractions forever! The kids are complaining their math binders are getting too full which is a pretty good sign that we are almost done with this unit. Phew! The students just took a quiz on multiplying fractions and mixed numbers today and so far the results look great. Almost everyone has met the standard. Last week the kids were working on mastering adding and subtracting mixed numbers. This is a tough standard to master because there are so many steps in the process, but most of the kids actually exceeded this standard! Any students who did not meet the standard on either quiz will get time in school next week to meet with me or Ms. Graffam for some extra help and practice before trying a retake on Friday.
Over the next two weeks students will learn to divide fractions and mixed numbers as well as solve real life word problems involving fraction computation. I expect the unit to be complete on January 28, which happens to be the end of the second quarter.
