🔢 Part 1: Simplifying Fractions

WALT: We Are Learning To simplify fractions by finding the greatest common factor (GCF).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Find the factors of both the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number)

2. Identify the greatest common factor (GCF) - the largest number that divides into both

3. Divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCF

4. Check if the fraction can be simplified further

Example:

Simplify 12/18

• Factors of 12: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12

• Factors of 18: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18

• GCF = 6

• 12 ÷ 6 = 2, and 18 ÷ 6 = 3

• Therefore: 12/18 = 2/3

Support Tips:

• Start with smaller numbers like 4/6 or 6/9

• Use visual aids like fraction circles or bars

• List factors systematically starting from 1

Challenge Tips:

• Try larger fractions like 24/36 or 45/60

• Work backwards: create equivalent fractions and simplify them

• Find multiple ways to simplify the same fraction (dividing by smaller common factors first)

➕ Part 2: Adding Fractions with Different Denominators

WALT: We Are Learning To add fractions with different denominators by finding a common denominator.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators

2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator

3. Add the numerators together

4. Keep the common denominator the same

5. Simplify the answer if possible

Example:

Add 1/4 + 1/6

• Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20...

• Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24...

• LCM = 12

• 1/4 = 3/12 (multiply top and bottom by 3)

• 1/6 = 2/12 (multiply top and bottom by 2)

• 3/12 + 2/12 = 5/12

Support Tips:

• Start with fractions that have denominators like 2, 4, 6, 8

• Use fraction strips to visualise equivalent fractions

• Practice finding multiples before attempting addition

Challenge Tips:

• Add three fractions with different denominators

• Try fractions with larger denominators like 9, 12, 15

• Add mixed numbers with different denominators

✖️ Part 3: Multiplying Fractions

WALT: We Are Learning To multiply fractions by multiplying numerators together and denominators together.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Multiply the numerators (top numbers) together

2. Multiply the denominators (bottom numbers) together

3. Simplify the result if possible

4. Optional: Cancel common factors before multiplying to make calculations easier

Example:

Multiply 2/3 × 3/4

• Numerators: 2 × 3 = 6

• Denominators: 3 × 4 = 12

• Result: 6/12

• Simplified: 6/12 = 1/2 (dividing by GCF of 6)

Alternative Method (Cancelling):

2/3 × 3/4

• Notice that 3 appears in numerator and denominator

• Cancel the 3s: 2/1 × 1/4 = 2/4 = 1/2

Support Tips:

• Start with simple fractions like 1/2 × 1/3

• Use visual models like rectangles divided into grids

• Practice multiplication tables to help with calculations

Challenge Tips:

• Multiply three fractions together

• Multiply mixed numbers (convert to improper fractions first)

• Practice cancelling common factors before multiplying

➗ Part 4: Dividing Fractions

WALT: We Are Learning To divide fractions by multiplying by the reciprocal (flip and multiply).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Keep the first fraction the same

2. Change the division sign to multiplication

3. Find the reciprocal of the second fraction (flip it upside down)

4. Multiply the fractions using the multiplication method

5. Simplify the answer if possible

Example:

Divide 3/4 ÷ 2/5

• Keep first fraction: 3/4

• Change ÷ to ×

• Reciprocal of 2/5 is 5/2

• Now multiply: 3/4 × 5/2

• Numerators: 3 × 5 = 15

• Denominators: 4 × 2 = 8

• Result: 15/8 = 1 7/8

Memory Tip:

"Keep, Change, Flip"

• Keep the first fraction

• Change division to multiplication

• Flip the second fraction

Support Tips:

• Practice finding reciprocals first (e.g., reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3)

• Start with unit fractions like 1/2 ÷ 1/4

• Use the "Keep, Change, Flip" chant

Challenge Tips:

• Divide mixed numbers (convert to improper fractions first)

• Solve word problems involving fraction division

• Work with fractions that result in whole numbers

📝 Quick Reference Summary

Key Reminders:

Simplifying: Divide numerator and denominator by their GCF

Adding: Find common denominator, add numerators only

Multiplying: Multiply across (numerator × numerator, denominator × denominator)

Dividing: Keep, Change, Flip - then multiply

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Don't add denominators when adding fractions

• Don't forget to simplify your final answer

• Remember to flip the second fraction when dividing, not the first

• Always check if your answer makes sense