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 1Â (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 2Â (not prime because it has 3 factors)
5 = 1 x 5 (prime because it has only 2 factors)
6 = 1 x 6 = 2 x 2Â (not prime because it has 4 factors)
7 = 1 x 7 (prime because it has only 2 factors)
8 = 1 x 8 = 2 x 4Â (not prime because it has 4 factors)
9 = 1 x 9 = 3 x 3Â (not prime because it has 3 factors)
10 = 1 x 10 = 2 x 5Â (not prime because it has 4 factors)
24 = 1 x 24 = 2 x 12 = 3 x 8 = 4 x 6Â (not prime because it has 8 factors)
36 = 1 x 36 = 2 x 18 = 3 x 12 = 4 x 9 = 6 x 6Â (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 Before Multiplying Fractions
Now practise what you have learned:
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: AÂ PDF worksheet