Simplifying fractions the easy way - with visual models (grade 5 math)
Find worksheets to match this lesson at http://www.mathmammoth.com/fractions_...
In this fifth grade math lesson, I show how to simplify fractions starting with visual models (fraction pies) and an arrow notation, which makes it easy for children AND adults alike to learn the concept.
Simplifying fractions is like joining or merging fractional pieces together. For example in 4/12, we can "merge" each 4 pieces together so the fraction becomes 1/3.
It is also the opposite operation of "splitting the pieces" when we make equivalent fractions (see my video on the topic at • Equivalent fractions are easy - just split... ).
This is a topic for grade 5 math, and is reviewed in grade 6.
I also show how we can simplify a fraction in several steps, instead of in one step. If you simplify in one step, you need to use the greatest common factor of the numerator and denominator in order to simplify fractions to lowest terms, but this is not necessary if you simplify (reduce) in several steps.
Sometimes you cannot simplify. Lastly we explore if the given fractions are already in their lowest terms.
This topic is also explained (along with practice problems) in my book Math Mammoth Fractions 2 at http://www.mathmammoth.com/fractions_...
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