Adding and simplifying fractions

Make the pieces the same size, add, then simplify. About 8 minutes, KS3 / GCSE.

What you will do

  1. What a fraction says. In 3/4, the bottom number (denominator) says how many equal pieces make a whole. The top number (numerator) says how many pieces we have.
  2. Same size pieces first. You cannot add halves to quarters directly - the pieces are different sizes. First change them to the same size (a common denominator). Watch.
  3. Predict. Try this one in your head before the player does it.
  4. Subtracting works the same way. Same size pieces, then subtract the tops.
  5. Simplify. Always give fractions in their simplest form by dividing top and bottom by their highest common factor.
  6. Multiply and divide. To multiply, multiply the tops and the bottoms. To divide, flip the second fraction and multiply (keep, change, flip).

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