Simplest Form

By Mr. Bales

Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to write a fraction in simplest form.

Standard 4NS1.5 - Students will explain different interpretations of fractions, for example, …..division of whole numbers by whole numbers; explain equivalence of fractions.

Introduce

Some fractions are easer to understand than others.

What is 1/4 of a dollar?What is 2/8 of a dollar?These are actually the same

amounts. It’s just that 1/4 is a lot easier to understand since its in simplest form.

You Try

On your desk you will find some money. You need 4 quarters and 10 dimes.

How much is 1/2 of a dollar?How much is 5/10 of a dollar?How much is 2/4 of a dollar?These fractions ( 1/2, 5/10, and

2/4) are equivalent fractions.

Teach

There are 12 questions on a quiz. Andrew got 8 out of 12 or 8/12 of the questions correct.

What is 8/12 in simplest form?

Simplest Form

Simplest form is when the numerator and denominator have no common factor other than one.

In other words, no other factor than 1 can go into the numerator and denominator evenly.

Simplest Form vs. NOT Simplest Form

Fractions in Simplest Form

1/22/33/43/75/8

Fractions NOT in Simplest Form

2/44/68/108/1216/24

Example Important - To change a fraction into its simplest form, you can

divide both the numerator and the denominator by the greatest common factor (the biggest number that goes into both.)

Write 8/12 in simplest form.Step 1 - Find the common factors.Factors of 8: 1, 2, 4, 8Factors of 12: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12Common Factors: 1, 2, and 4Step 2 - Divide the greatest common factor, 4.

8 ÷ 4 = 2 12 ÷ 4 = 3

The numbers 2 and 3 have no common factor other than 1.

Another Example You can also change a fraction

into simplest form by dividing by common factors (may not be the greatest factor)

Step 1 - Write a fraction. 18 24

Divide by common factors.

18 = 18 ÷ 2 = 9Z 24 ÷2 12

9 = 9 ÷ 3 = 3 12 12 ÷ 3 = 4

A common factor of 18 and 24 is 2.

A common factor of 9 and 12 is 3.

Bales Bucks!!

Real World Example!!

Now a Game!!!

Assignment

Page 524 - #’s 7 - 22Get them all correct - No

Math Homework