SIMPLIFYING FRACTIONS

•  Any fraction that has the same number as its numerator (top) and denominator (bottom) is equal to one whole. The denominator tells how many equal parts the whole has been divided into, and the numerator tells how  many of those parts you have. You could cut something into a million parts. As long as you keep all of those parts, you still have a whole.  

• Because we can have fractions that are equal to one, we can use them to help use create equivalent fractions so we can find common denominators when we are going to add or subtract fractions, and so we can simplify fractions when we are writing our final answer. When you multiply or divide by a fraction that is equal to 1, the value of the number does not change. You are simply changing the number of pieces that the whole is cut into. When you use a fraction that is equal to one in this way, you can think of the whole fraction as a Big Giant One. 

• To simplify a fraction, divide by Big Giant One. For example, if your fraction is 1! 2* you can divide the top and the bottom both by the same number. Even this can be frustrating and confusing. You might be thinking, “what number?” Here’s how you can think about it: look at the numerator and the denominator. In this sample fraction, there is a 12 and an 18. Twelve is smaller than 18, so ask yourself if 12 divides evenly into 18. No, it doesn’t. Askyourself what numbers you can multiply to get 12 as an answer. You want to choose the largest one you can think of, except for 12 itself. Maybe you thought of six times two. Ask yourself if six will divide evenly into 12. Yes, it will. So six is the number you want to use. Divide 12 by six, and your new numerator is two. Divide 18 by six, and your new denominator is three. Your new, simplified fraction is 2#.

•  Try this process the next time you need to simplify a fraction on your homework, or on a test. The more you practice simplifying fractions, the easier it becomes. You will also be more successful if you know your multiplication facts well, so practice those if you need to increase your skill. You’ll be mastering fractions in no time!

Name:__________________________________

Answer the following questions based on the reading passage. Don’t forget to go back to the passage whenever necessary to find or confirm your answers.

1. Restate the process of simplifying fractions in your own words:
2. Use what you have learned to simplify 1@ 6$ . 
3. How do you know if a fraction is equal to one? 
4. Why do you think it is helpful to know your multiplication facts well if you need to simplify fractions? 
5.   Name one thing you have learned this year about fractions.