reducing fractions

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reducing fractions
By Bethrotha Harris

This is a difficult concept for students to understand. So I teach a mechanical way of reducing fractions to lowest terms:
Example: Let's reduce 4/12
STEP 1: Put your numerator in a box. List ALL factors for it(1 and
4, 2 and 2).
STEP 2: Put your denominator in a box. List ALL
factors for it ( 1 and 12, 6 and 2, 4 and 3).
STEP 3: Circle All COMMON FACTORS (1, 2, and 4).
STEP 4: Place an X in the circle of the greatest
common factor (GCF) = 4.
STEP 5: Begin to divide with your numerator box.
Touch the circle with the X.(SAY:"4
divided into 4 = 1. Place

the number 1 as
your numerator answer.
Step 6: Begin to divide with your denominator box.
Touch the circle with the X. (SAY: "4
divided into 12 = 3. Place the number 3
as your denominator answer.
ANSWER: 1/3
NOTE: When the students are listing All of the
common factors ,be sure they list them as pairs (i.e.)
factors for 12= 1 and 12, 6 and 2, 4 and 3)
This is so that when they are ready to do
STEPS 5 AND 6, the matching factor is right
next to the "X" circled factor.
YOU HAVE TO BE THERE!(smile) GOOD LUCK!