Decimals

Wow! Where does the time go? Here it is MARCH already!

Students have learned how to represent decimals using number lines and area models (hundredths grids). They have learned to compare and order decimals, add, subtract and multiply with them. Students are also practicing converting between fractions, decimals and percents. We are currently working on dividing with decimals, both in the divisor and dividend. We will continue to work on all of these skills and solve word problems before taking the unit test next week.

This decimal tutorial link can help! Scroll down until you see decimals and pick the skill you want to review. Also remember to visit the math portaportal where kids can practice skills on-line!

Adding & Subtracting Fractions & Mixed Numbers

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

1. Change fractions so they have the same denominator.
   
2. Add or subtract numerators only, keep the denominator the same.
3. Simplify (reduce to lowest terms).

Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers

1. Change fractions so they have the same denominator.
2. Solve the fraction part of the problem first. You may need to "borrow" or "carry" whole numbers so the fractions work.
3. Then add or subtract the whole numbers.
4. Simplify (reduce to lowest terms).
   

Multiplying Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Because you asked for it... How to multiply fractions and mixed numbers:

1. If there are mixed numbers, change them to improper fractions.
2. (Optional) You can reduce the fractions on the diagonal if you want to.
   
3. Multiply numerator times numerator, denominator times denominator.
4. Simplify (reduce to lowest terms).
   

Dividing Fractions & Mixed Numbers

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!

Fractions

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.

Multiplication Algorithm

This week we are warming up in math class by reviewing multi-digit multiplication. Students come to sixth grade with a variety of ways to solve multiplication problems. It's great that kids can break numbers apart and put them back together in different ways. It shows good number sense and that's important. In sixth grade we build on this knowledge and show them the most efficient strategies to solve problems. This week the students are learning the traditional algorithm for multi-digit multiplication. Simply put, it's probably the way you were taught how to solve the problem. Ask you child to show you!

Today we went over how to multiply a 2-6 digit number by one digit number. Once kids were shown the different methods side-by-side and could see how and why they worked, most quickly changed over to the standard algorithm. My Block B class didn't want to stop practicing on whiteboards today. They said they were having fun. Gasp! My Block A and C classes were asking to start multiplying by two digit factors (that's tomorrow). Most said they loved the way they were shown today and will never go back to the other ways while some still love their lattice method. Students don't HAVE to make the switch as long as they are efficient and accurate with their strategy.

Students will have some multiplication problems on their weekly quiz this week.

Fractions, Mixed Numbers

The students have been working on fractions & mixed numbers for the last couple weeks. They took the assessment on how to read, order, use, represent, and simplify fractions & mixed numbers before the Thanksgiving break. Now they are learning how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions & mixed numbers. We've been adding and subtracting fractions this week. Next week we'll work on adding and subtracting mixed numbers. These can be tough for some students because there are multiple steps to solving some problems. I will be staying after school next Thursday to help any student who wants some extra practice or help. The following week we will learn how to multiply and divide. I was hoping to finish fractions before winter break but we may need to continue work with them when we get back. I want to make sure the students have enough practice with word problems too. Time will tell.