Learn Fractions with
Alesia Blackwood

Equivalent Fractions Reference Notes

Some fractions may look different, but they actually represent the same amount! For instance 1⁄2, 4⁄8, and 2⁄4.

Although each of these fractions is written differently, they all represent the same amount. Many amounts can be represented by a variety of fractions. In the video and reference notes, we help you visualize this by using fraction strips to see which fractions are equivalent.

Simplifying Fractions Reference Notes

SIMPLIFYING FRACTIONS means reducing a fraction until it is as simple as possible.
If we cut a pizza into 8 slices and eat 4 of them, would we say we ate four-eighths or 4⁄8 of the pizza? We could also say we ate one-half, 1⁄2 as both are EQUIVALENT FRACTIONS. One-half is simpler because it uses smaller numbers, so we are more likely to say one-half instead of four-eighths.
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How do we reduce fractions?
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When we want to reduce a fraction, we have to find the GREATEST COMMON FACTOR between the numerator and denominator. Then we divide both the numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor to reduce our fraction.

Comparing Fractions Reference Notes

Sometimes we have to compare fractions to determine which fraction is greater than or less than the other. This is easier if both fractions have the same denominator. For example, if Maya ate 5⁄8 of a pie and Kaleb ate 7⁄8 of a pie, we would know Kaleb ate more because 7 is bigger than 5.

When the denominators are not the same, we need to make them equal before we can compare. We use the same strategy we used for equivalent fractions.

Ordering Fractions Reference Notes

Sometimes we may be in situations where we want to compare more than two fractions. For example, if Dan has eaten 2⁄6 of his candy, Stuart has eaten 5⁄6, and Kirsten has eaten 4⁄6, who has eaten the most candy and who has eaten the least?
The easiest way to compare multiple numbers is to place them on a number line. Then we can see all the fractions in comparison to one another. We’ll demonstrate this visually in the video and reference notes.

Adding & Subtracting Fractions Reference Notes

There are three simple steps to adding fractions:

• Make sure the denominators are the same.
• Add or subtract the numerators together (keep the same denominator).
• Simplify the fraction (if possible).

The exact same rules apply when we are subtracting fractions:

• Ensure the denominators are the same.
• Subtract the numerators (keep the same denominator).
• Simplify the fraction.

Adding & Subtracting Fractions Reference Notes

• Add or subtract the numerators together (keep the same denominator).
• Add or subtract the numerators together (keep the same denominator).
• Simplify the fraction (if possible).

Multiplying Fractions Reference Notes

Multiplying fractions can actually be easier than adding or subtracting them! This is because, unlike addition and subtraction, you can multiply two fractions with different denominators. To multiply two fractions, we multiply the numerators together and then the denominators together.

n this lesson, we will help you visualize what happens when you multiply fractions to gain a deeper understanding.

Dividing Fractions Reference Notes

‍When dividing fractions, we use similar steps as when multiplying fractions. Remember, dividing is the opposite of multiplying!

In this lesson, we will help you visualize what happens when you divide fractions to gain a deeper understanding.