Lesson 2 – Fractions and Decimals
Objectives:
· Demonstrate an understanding of equivalency and ability to determine equivalent fractions, simplest form and lowest term
Introduction
1. Handout to each student or pairs of students fraction circles. Ask students to pull out the fraction that represents one half. Now ask students to find another way to make one half. What fraction is represents by these? (Students may pull out 2/4, 3/6, 4/8 etc. Students may say 4/8 or they may say it is still 1/2)
2. Have students take out math journals. Copy the following math journals from the overhead or board and explain. Go through each example.
Equivalent Fractions mean that the two fractions are equal.
Eg.
These 2 fractions are called equivalent because they have the same value. To make equivalent fractions, either multiply or divide both the numerator and the denominator by the same number.
Eg. 2 6
___ -----
8 24
A fraction is in simplest form or lowest term when the numerator and the denominator have no common factors other than 1.
2/3 is lower than 4/6 because there are less parts.
To put fractions in lowest term, divide the numerator and the denominator by the same number.
Eg. 12 6
___ -----
16 8
6 3
___ -----
8 4
Do more examples as needed.
Activities
4. Choose a Mover and Shaker activity.
a) Reduce the Fractions– Handout a gameboard to each student. Students will flip over 4 cards to create a fraction. Each player will reduce the fraction to lowest terms, showing their work as they reduce. Students will compare their reduced fraction and see which is the greatest fraction. The player with the greatest reduced fraction will score 1 point.
b) Reducing with Smarties- Handout a box of Smarties to each student. Have students complete the Smartie sheet. Note: If students have a prime number in the denominator, then have them eat one so that they are able to reduce the Smarties.
5. Choose worksheets for your students to complete to reinforce the previous activities. Either allow students select a worksheet appropriate for their level, or the teacher may choose sheets suitable for an individual or the entire class.
Closure
6. Mark worksheets and complete corrections.
7. Math Journal Activity – Have students show an example of how to reduce a fraction and how to write an equivalent fraction.
Lesson 2 - Fractions and Decimals
Reducing Fractions
Directions: Each player will flip over 4 cards to create a fraction. Each player will reduce the fraction to lowest terms, showing their work as they reduce. Compare your reduced fraction and see which is the greatest fraction. The player with the greatest reduced fraction will score 1 point.
Cards / Fraction / Reduced Fraction / PointsThinkers:
1. Write a rule on how to reduce fractions.
2. How do you know if a fraction is in lowest terms?
Lesson 2 - Fractions and Decimals
Reducing with Smarties
Answer the following according to your box of Smarties.
1. How many Smarites do you have in total? ______
2. How many Smarties are:
blue?____ red?____ yellow?____ green?____ pink? ___
dark brown?____ light brown?____ purple?____ orange?____
Color / Fraction /Lowest Terms
/ Equivalent FractionBlue
RedYellow
Green
Dark Brown
Pink
Purple
Orange
Light Brown
Thinkers:
1. What color is the largest fraction?
2. What color is the smallest fraction?
Lesson 2 - Fractions and Decimals
Worksheet A
1. Write an equivalent fraction for each of the following.
a) b) c)
d) e) f)
2. Reduce each of the following fractions to lowest term.
a) b) c)
d) e) f)
3. Write the next 3 equivalent fractions in the pattern.
a) b)
c) d)
4. Show using a diagram why and are equivalent.
Lesson 2 - Fractions and Decimals
Worksheet B
1. Write an equivalent fraction for each of the following.
a) b) c)
d) e) f)
2. Reduce each of the following fractions to lowest term.
a) b) c)
d) e) f)
3. Write the next 3 equivalent fractions in the pattern.
a) b)
c) d)
4. Show using a diagram why and are equivalent.
Lesson 2 - Fractions and Decimals
Worksheet C
1. Write an equivalent fraction for each of the following.
a) b) c)
d) e) f)
2. Reduce each of the following fractions to lowest term.
a) b) c)
d) e) f)
3. If there are 24 students in the class and 8 are boys, write the fraction of both boys and girls in the class in lowest terms.
4. On a football team there are 36 players. 12 play defence, 16 play offence. There are 2 quarter backs and 2 kickers. The rest of the players are subs. Write the fractions of players in each group in lowest terms.
5. Write the fraction of provinces in lowest terms that:
a) are to the east of Manitoba.
b) contain the letter u in it.
Lesson 2 - Fractions and Decimals
Worksheet D
1. Show examples of equivalent fractions.
a) b) c)
d) e) f)
2. Show example of fractions being reduced to lowest terms.
a) b) c)
d) e) f)
3. Write a pattern series of 5 equivalent fractions.
a) b)
c) d)
4. Show using a diagram how 2 equivalent fractions are equal.
Copyright © Bringing Learning Alive Inc., 2006 Fractions and Decimals
Permission to copy STUDENT MASTERS to classroom teachers only Grade 7 - Mathematics