Download Fractions have been fun to learn about

Fractions have been fun to learn about! The entire Unit 2 focused on all sorts of topics
surrounding fractions and what we can do with them mathematically. Take for instance
the fraction 3/10 (three tenths). We learned that any fraction with a denominator of ten,
we can use our knowledge of place value to help us convert it into an equivalent decimal.
So three tenths (3/10) would become 0.30 (three tenths)! We can use this same concept
with any fraction with a denominator of 100 as well, so any time we get a fraction we
should try multiplying it by some number to get 10 and 100 so we can use place value to
help us.
Turning decimals into percents is even easier. All you have to do is move the decimal
over to the right two spots. So for example ¾ (or three out of four quarters) would be
0.75. If I wove that decimal over two spots it would become 75%! Cake!
This brings me to a helpful hint that Ms. Simpson told us in class. Anytime the
denominator is a 4, just think about quarters! We all love money!
Another thing that we learned we can do with fractions is round them to the nearest half.
Two helpful methods are drawing a number line or dividing the denominator in half, then
comparing the numerator to that number, 0, or 1whole. For example: 1/5, I would draw a
number line with five sections. I would label my 0, ½, and 1 with fractions. Find 1/5 and
count how far it is away from each. The closest one to my fraction is the answer that I
round too. Watch my demonstration!
As mentioned earlier, fractions with a denominator of five are easy, because you can
multiply them by 2 to get a denominator of 10!! So 1/5 is actually 2/10… easy…0.20.
which would = 20% if I moved the decimal two to the right!
So, so far we have covered fractions with a denominator of 10, 5, 100, and 4! They are so
easy to memorize with these helpful tools.
Another example of rounding is dividing the denominator in half. This is easier with even
numbers, but just remember, odd numbers can be easy too, they will just be in between
two whole numbers. Like 1/5 above. Half of 5 is 2.5, which is between 2 & 3. Now what
if I have 7/8. I could easier divide 8 in half to = 4. Then compare 7 to 0, 4, or 8. It is
closer to 8, so it would round to 1 whole!
We then learned how to simplify or reduce our fractions. You basically just need to know
how to divide, because that makes your fractions smaller, or essentially in lowest form…
which is simplifying!!!
For instance, if I have 2/4, the 2 and the 4 are even, I know I can divide by 2 and get ½.
This means 2/4 and ½ are equal!
I also know that is the numerator and denominator end in 5 or 0, then I can divide them
both by 5.. for example 15/20. I can divide by 5 and get ¾!
One of the last hints we learned was that is the num and den end in 0’s, I can just cross
them off. So 10/100 would = 1/10!
This week we started something even more crazy and fun. We started adding and
subtracting fractions. This can be tricky, but if we stick to the steps, we can easily solve.
First we need common denominators to add or subtract. So if we are given 1/3 + 2/3,
that’s easy, you keep the den 3, and add the num’s. this =’s 3/3 or 1 whole. But say we
were given 1/3 + 5/6!!! I would try to find the Least common denom by listing out
multiples. Here we go
3: 3, 6, 9 ,etc
6: 6, wait stop, I found one! Its 6! So you get the denominators to equal a 6. Well 5/6
stays the same, but what would I have to do to that 3 to get 6? I would multiply by 2! So
the fractions becomes 2/6…. 2/6 + 5/6 = 7/6. We are not done yet…. This is an improper
fractions. We must now take out all of the wholes and write them as whole numbers.
There is only 1 whole 6 in the numerator so we bring out the 1. Now I took 6 away from
7 which leaves me 1…. So my answer is 1 1/6! Subtraction is the same way. BUT you
have to make sure your bigger fraction is on top. Go ahead and try some on your own at
home!