Thursday, November 15, 2012

Common Denominators

One of the most frustrating things is trying to order fractions from least or greatest or vice versa.  We use common denominators to make it easier.  I tell the kids it's like comparing apples to apples (then they say "like the game?" then I say no.  :) ) or oranges to oranges.

Let's say we have 3/4 and 2/8.  We can either count (find the LCM) by each number and find out the easiest option is 8.  So, 3/4 = 6/8 and we keep 2/8 the same.

However, it's tough for them to do that sometimes, so another method is to multiply the denominators and find equivalent fractions.  So, 4 x 8 = 32, we then write 3/4 as 24/32 and 2/8 as 8/32.  Doing this we can easily see that 24/32 is greater than 2/8.

Also, one of the math students, Anthony showed me a website that is really neat and I will be turning it into a "page" on the top menu soon.

Friday is a computer day, so students will be reminded/given their log in information for both my.hrw.com and xtramath.org

Until tomorrow!

No comments:

Post a Comment