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!

 

^BACK

---

The ProTeacher Collection - All rights reserved
For individual use only. Do not copy, reproduce or transmit.
Copyright © 1998-2008 ProTeacher®

Visit our ProTeacher Community

---

What people are currently discussing in the ProTeacher Community:

What to do when I am done!

Grrr..just had to vent for a minute

Number recognition assessment

Ways to remember Math terms? Help

poems for second grade

help needed - EC

First things to introduce (Power Teaching)

$350 for school lunches?What was he thinking?

arts integration

Student Reading Inventory/Questionnaire

pledge of allegiance

Sp. Ed. Inclusion Schedule

Differentiating? Don't know what I do....

Teacher's Lounge?

help!