Problem of the Day Find the GCF (greatest common factor) for each pair of numbers: 6, 10 12, 24 45, 50 17, 23 2 12 5 1

Chapter 2: Exponents, Factors and Fractions 2-2: Simplifying Fractions Grade 6 Mathematics

Objective: To write equivalent fractions and to simplify fractions. Equivalent fractions are just two fractions that are equal to the same amount. For example, ½, 2/4, and 150/300 are equivalent fractions. Without an order of operation, an expression might have different values. This helps us to accept the universal interpretation, otherwise there would be chaos.

Example: Write a fraction equivalent to 16/24. Write equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing the numerator and the denominator by the same number. Example: Write a fraction equivalent to 16/24. Decide: Multiply or divide? By what number? I like division and I like the number 2. 16 16 ÷ 2 = 8 24 24 ÷ 2 = 12 Without an order of operation, an expression might have different values. This helps us to accept the universal interpretation, otherwise there would be chaos. So 8/12 and 16/24 are equivalent fractions. Easy, right? Now write two more equivalent fractions for 16/24.

Simplifying Fractions You know how to simplify fractions using the Slide Method. (How does that work again?) If you know how to find GCF quickly, you can simplify fractions quickly as well.

Simplifying Fractions using GCF Find the greatest common factor (GCF) and divide by that factor to get the simplest form of the fraction. Example: Given the fraction 16/24, find the factors of the numerator and the denominator. (Remember the divisibility rules.) Factors of 16: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 Factors of 24: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 16 ÷ 8 = 2 24 ÷ 8 = 3 So the simplest form is 2/3.

Do I need to use the Slide Method to simplify fractions? Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on you. You can use mental math to find the GCF, and simplify the fraction using the GCF. (How do you do that again?) Some people prefer to simplify fractions this way. That’s fine, but remember that you can always use the slide method if you’re stuck.

Homework Complete Practice 2-3 and Puzzle 2-3 Get your quiz signed by a parent Chapter 1 Test on Monday (except for 1-1, 1-5, and 1-10)