Lessons on How to Simplify Fractions in Elementary Math
Fractions describe parts of a whole number. The numerator, or top number in the fraction, describes the number of parts available. The denominator describes the total number of parts. Help students better understand the overall concepts of fractions, by first explaining how to reduce a fraction, and then showing the class a visual representation of how to reduce the fraction. Simplifying, also known as reducing, fractions makes the fraction the smallest number possible.
Instructions
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Explaining the Concept
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Write a fraction on the chalkboard, such as 10/50.
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Point out that there is a simpler way to write this fraction so that it is reduced to the smallest number possible.
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Ask students to think of a number that is divisible by both 10 and 50. Divide the numerator and the denominator by the same number. Although you can divide the number by a small number, it's best think of the largest number possible that goes into both numbers; this will save you some steps.
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Divide the top and bottom by the same number. In this case 10 is the largest number that is divisible by both the numerator and denominator, this gives you the reduced fraction of 1/5.
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Check if the fraction can be reduced further; if you divided the number by the largest possible number it can't be reduced more. If you couldn't think of the largest number that divisible by the numerator and denominator, you'll need to reduce the fraction even more. For example, if you divided the original fraction by 2, you'll need to divide the fraction again by 5 to get the simplest fraction of 1/5.
Although the answer is the same, using the largest number divisible by both the numerator and denominator the first time will save you some steps and lessen the likelihood of errors in calculations.
Visual Representation
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Review how to simplify fractions with a large construction paper visual aid of a chocolate candy bar with 12 squares on it. Count the squares on the visual to show students that there are 12 parts of the whole visual.
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Cut the candy bar in half with a pair of scissors and show students that each piece of the candy bar represents 6/12. Count the squares on each piece to help students better understand that each half has six parts in it.
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Cut each piece of the candy bar into half (you should have four pieces at this point), and show the students that each piece of the candy bar represents 3/12. Count the squares on each piece to help students better understand that each piece has three parts in it.
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Cut along the two remaining lines on each piece of candy bar piece, to make 12 total pieces, each representing 1/12 of the candy bar.
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Pretend to eat six pieces of the candy bar, and then count how many pieces you have left. Ask students to tell you the fraction representation of the remaining candy bar. If a student answers that you have 6/12, ask him to simply the fraction by a number that is divisible into both the top and bottom number, such as two or three. Continue reducing the fraction until your class has reduced the fraction remaining to 1/2.
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References
Resources
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