Download Fractions - equivalents and simplifying

Fractions!
In this session we will look at:
What fractions tell us.
Equivalent fractions – what are they?
How to simplify fractions.
Name the Fractions shaded
Six twelfths
One quarter
One half
Two eighths
Two fifths
Two quarters
One third
Equivalent Fractions
You also need to be able to identify fractions
that are the same as each other.
These are known as equivalent fractions.
You can find them by ‘simplifying’ the
fraction you are given.
How to simplify fractions
You will need your division skills for this task.
You may want to write the sum on paper until
you get more confident at doing them!
Which fraction is equivalent to 5/10 ?
4/6 1/2 1/5
Step 1 – Write down your original fraction.
5
10
Step 2 - Think of a number that both sides of the fraction can
be divided by without any remainders.
I.e. a number that both 5 & 10 can be divided by.
Step 3 – When you have thought of a number try it as follows.
We will try ‘5’.
5
10
÷
÷
5 = 1
5 = 2
Step 4 – The sum works out to ½ so this is your answer!
Step 1 – Write down your original fraction.
9
12
Step 2 - Think of a number that both sides of the fraction can
be divided by without any remainders.
I.e. a number that both 9 & 12 can be divided by.
Step 3 – When you have thought of a number try it as follows.
We will try ‘3’.
9
12
÷
÷
3 = 3
3 = 4
Step 4 – The sum works out to ¾ so this is your answer!
Step 1 – Write down your original fraction.
96
108
Step 2 - Sometimes you won’t know a single number that
goes into both top and bottom. Look for an easy number to
start with.
Step 3 – When you have thought of a number try it as follows.
We will try ‘2’.
96
108
÷
÷
2 =
48
2 =
54
Step 4 – Now you can carry on!
Step 1 – Write down your new fraction.
48
54
Step 2 - Now you can think of a number that both sides of
the fraction can be divided by without any remainders.
Step 3 – When you have thought of a number try it as follows.
We will try ‘6’.
48
54
÷
÷
6= 8
6= 9
Step 4 – Nothing goes into 8 and 9 so this is your answer!
Step 1 – Sometimes they give you a clue...
28 is the same as (=)
4
63
?
Step 2 - Now you can think of a number that goes into the
top part to make 4 (28 divided by something makes 4) and
also goes into the bottom part.
Step 3 – When you have thought of a number try it as follows.
We will try ‘7’.
28
63
÷
÷
7 = 4 (they told us that)
7= 9
Hint: if it doesn’t work the first time, see if another
number goes into the top number…..
Step 1 – Sometimes you are asked to
“unsimplify”a fraction.
1
?
3 Is the same as (=)
9
Step 2 - Take a look at the parts of both fractions that have
numbers. In this case, 3 has been multiplied by something
to get 9. You have probably worked out that the something
is 3.
Step 3 – Now multiply the other side of the fraction by 3 to get
the missing number.
1
3
3= 3
3 = 9 (they told us that)
Give these a go - answers follow…
2/10
=
3/9
=
5/15
=
6/48
=
4/24
=
8/16
=
Simplifying fractions
2/10
=
1/5
3/9
=
1/3
5/15
=
6/48
1/3
=
4/24
1/8
=
8/16
1/6
=
1/2
Now try these…
5/20
=
9/45
=
7/56
=
16/32
=
25/55
=
77/99
=
Simplifying fractions
5/20
=
9/45
1/4
=
7/56
1/5
=
16/32
1/8
= 1/2
25/55
= 5/11
77/99
=
7/9
Now try these on your own!
4/6
2/10
9/12
3/18
10/12
8/12
7/70
8/10
6/15
4/8
6/9
15/18
Check your answers with a partner
12/15
6/60
Credits
Developed by Jennifer Williamson, Skills for Life Tutor,
Juniper Training Ltd. Wolverhampton
Adapted by Barbara Kay, Knowsley FACE
Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org