Math Topic 10 Teacher Tips
Fractions Test Tuesday March 26th
If the question asks you to…
1) Name the part of a whole:
The top number tells how many pieces we are interested in. Example: How
much is shaded? How much is blue? This is the numerator (n).
The bottom number tells how many pieces in all.
This is the denominator (d).
2) Name the part of a set or group of objects:
The top number tells how many objects we are interested in.
The bottom number tells how many objects in all.
3) Find an equivalent fraction:
*Decide if you need to multiply or divide the numerator and
denominator.
If the problem is partly done, this will be chosen for you. If you can
choose any equivalent fraction, it will not matter as long as you are
not already in simplest form.
*Pick a number.
*Multiply or divide. Whatever you do to the top, you must also do to
the bottom. (We do not want to change the value of the fraction. We
are just changing how many pieces we use to represent it.)
4) Simplify or reduce the fraction to the lowest terms:
*List the factors for the numerator and denominator.
*Circle the common factors.
*Locate the Greatest Common Factor.
*Divide the numerator and denominator by the Greatest Common
Factor.
If the only factor the numbers have in common is 1, you are done! 
5) Compare fractions to see which is greater or less than:
*Use graph paper or fraction bars to visualize the size of the fractions.
*Use what you know about benchmark fractions and the relationships
of factors to help you.
*As with whole numbers, use the greater than, less than, or equal sign
to write your answer. The mouth opens to the biggest number.
If both fractions have the same numerator, the one with the biggest
denominator is the smallest fraction because it has more (and smaller)
pieces.
For example: If you had 5 friends over to share a cake, you would get
less than if you shared with only 3 friends. There would be more pieces
and each would be smaller.
6) Put the fractions in order:
*Determine the relative size of each fraction. Compare them the same
way you do for only two fractions.
*Use benchmark fractions to help you compare.
*Place them in order. Check carefully to see if the problem asks you to
place them in order from least to greatest, or greatest to least.