Simplifying Fractions

Working with Simplification

(Note: the links to the videos and practice sessions will take you away from Ms.RosenReads. While I recommend the sites as I saw them, MsRosenReads cannot be responsible for the continued content or continued availability of other sites. If you encounter a problem, please contact me.)

While watching videos, use some strategies to help you learn: 1. pause frequently and think about what you just heard; 2. pause and take notes as you are watching; 3. watch the video several times.

1. Remember prime factors: A prime number is a number that has 2 factors, 1 and the number itself.

1 = 1 x 1  (not prime because it has only 1 factor)

2 = 1 x 2 (prime because it has only 2 factors)

3 = 1 x 3 (prime because it has only 2 factors)

4 = 1 x 4 = 2 x 2  (not prime because it has 3 factors)

5 = 1 x 5 (prime because it has only 2 factors)

6 = 1 x 6 = 2 x 2  (not prime because it has 4 factors)

7 = 1 x 7 (prime because it has only 2 factors)

8 = 1 x 8 = 2 x 4  (not prime because it has 4 factors)

9 = 1 x 9 = 3 x 3  (not prime because it has 3 factors)

10 = 1 x 10 = 2 x 5  (not prime because it has 4 factors)

24 = 1 x 24 = 2 x 12 = 3 x 8 = 4 x 6  (not prime because it has 8 factors)

36 = 1 x 36 = 2 x 18 = 3 x 12 = 4 x 9 = 6 x 6  (not prime because it has 9 factors)

41 = 1 x 41 (prime because it has only 2 factors)

Watch a video: Prime Numbers

2. Learn how to write numbers as products of prime factors.

Watch a video: Prime Numbers with Math Antics

3. Learn how to use prime numbers to simplify fractions.

Watch a video: Simplifying by Factoring with Math Antics

Watch more videos if you want to hear the lesson different ways:

Simplifying by Using Prime Numbers

Simplifying Fractions

Simplifying Before Multiplying Fractions

Now practise what you have learned:

Prime Factorization

Simplify Fractions

Do some assignments:

If you are doing this as an online assignment for Ms. Rosen, please do it on a Google Document and show her how you used prime factorization to find your answer. Alternatively, do your work on paper and send her photos.

Simplify Easier Fractions: A PDF worksheet

Simplify Fractions: A PDF worksheet

Simplify Fractions: A PDF Worksheet

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