Fun with Fractions!

Here are some helpful facts to remember about fractions! I encourage you all to refer to this page when working on fractions with your child. Since it is not always easy to explain these concepts, it is important that we use a method that your child will understand. Your child will have an easier time understanding fractions when they can apply the concept to something tangible, or relatable. They need to be able to visualize HOW and WHY the algorithms work. In class, we have been using manipulatives as well as examples with cookies, pizza, and chocolate bars (who doesn't love those?!) Below are some key facts and examples for improper fractions, equivalent fractions, and converting improper fractions to mixed numbers!

Improper Fractions:

An improper fraction has a TOP number (numerator) that is bigger than the BOTTOM number (denominator). Take a look at this example:
7/4  This means there are 7 parts all together, and each part is a quarter (or 1/4th) of the whole.
                                                                                                                    

Look at the fraction using pizza pies, for instance.
This pizza is sliced into 4 equal parts. For us to represent the fraction 7/4 , we would need to have 7 total slices, which would look like this:              

                                                 

This brings us to the next key fact when learning fractions: mixed fractions.
A mixed fraction is simply converting an improper fraction, into a whole number and a fraction. So, instead of saying 7/4 we could say 1 and 3/4ths.                                                                                           

It is easy to see using the pizza model as a reference,                                                                

because there is 1 whole pie, and another pie with 3 (out of 4) slices.        

How do we convert improper fractions into mixed numbers? Its simple! Just divide the numerator by the denominator. Write the whole number and any remainder you have will go above the denominator. 

So, 7 ÷ 4  = 1 remainder 3 OR 1 and 3/4ths

Try another!

11÷4 = 2 remainder 3 OR 2 3/4ths

Equivalent Fractions:

These are fractions that look different because they use different numbers, but they are equal to one another and represent the SAME quantity.

For example, 6/12 can also be written as 1/2  which we can call reducing or simplifying.          
                                                         

In order to reduce equivalent fractions, we must divide the numerator and denominator by the SAME factor. In this case, that would be 6.
6÷6 =1 and 12÷6 = 2  
We can use the same concept and multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number to make smaller equivalent fractions larger. 1 x 8 = 8 and 2 x 8 = 16. So 1/2 is equal to 8/16