| ||||||||
| ||||||||
| ||||||||
|
Home : 2011 : Feb : 16
*if the numerator is 1, it is in lowest terms. *if the numerator and denominator are in counting order (4/5, 7/8, 2/3), the fraction is in lowest terms. *if those things are not true, here are the steps for reducing: 1. Try the numerator 2. Try half the numerator 3. Try each number below that, one at a time In fourth grade, these three steps work pretty well for the problems they will be given. Note for Step 2: If the numerator is an uneven number like 7, pick the lower of the two numbers that are about half. I hope you will try this method with some of the fractions they are given to reduce. With a little practice, they can become very good at it. ANOTHER WAY: Teach them to write out the factors of a number: 6: _ _ _ _ 5: _ _ 12: _ _ _ _ _ _ 15: _ _ _ _ After they become good at this, they can write out the factors of the numerator and denominator and find the largest factor common to both.
For individual use only. Do not copy, reproduce or
transmit. |
| |||||||
