Simplifying Proper Fractions
This is the first in a series of steps leading to adding and subtracting various fraction problems. In this lesson, students will learn how to simplify (or reduce) proper fractions. Most students have not mastered their multiplication facts well enough to simplify (thinking of divisibility) in their heads. Therefore, I ask the students to work through concrete steps to simplify their fractions. It has a high success rate and backs up other skills (such as factors) that students will need to use in fourth grade. The video on simplifying proper fractions is provided below. There is also a link to practice problems below the video and word problems applying the skill at the bottom of the page.
Class Method of Simplifying Fractions
Traditional Method of Simplifying Fractions
Demonstration by: Jenna and Andrew
Practice Problems
| simplifyingregfractions.pdf |
Sample Word Problems:
1. Justin had 32 marbles. He gave 8 marbles to a friend. What fraction of his marbles did Justin give away?
2. Bobby had 36 rocks. He threw 6 rocks into the river. What fraction of his rocks did he throw in the river?
3. Hannah had 2 dozen roses. 10 of the roses were red. What fraction of the roses were red?
4. At the movie theater ten movies are showing. Four of the movies are cartoons. What fraction of the movies are cartoons?
5. Jellybeans are Fred's favorite treat. He bought a bag of 25. Within the bag, 7 of them are popcorn flavored. What fraction of the jellybeans taste like popcorn?
1. Justin had 32 marbles. He gave 8 marbles to a friend. What fraction of his marbles did Justin give away?
2. Bobby had 36 rocks. He threw 6 rocks into the river. What fraction of his rocks did he throw in the river?
3. Hannah had 2 dozen roses. 10 of the roses were red. What fraction of the roses were red?
4. At the movie theater ten movies are showing. Four of the movies are cartoons. What fraction of the movies are cartoons?
5. Jellybeans are Fred's favorite treat. He bought a bag of 25. Within the bag, 7 of them are popcorn flavored. What fraction of the jellybeans taste like popcorn?
