6th Grade Math: Tips & Tricks

Dividing Fractions

It’s almost the same as multiplying fractions except there’s one step you have to do before you multiply straight across on the top and bottom! Whatever you’re dividing by always flip that fraction (reciprocal) first and then multiply it by the fraction that is being divided (you don’t need common denominators!)

Multiply straight across because multiplying makes numbers bigger than adding so you can act like its a short cut to making things bigger so always think straight across (you don’t need common denominators!). It’s easier than adding fractions! You don’t have to do the extra work to find the same denominator! Use the fraction line as a boundary. Keep the top numbers (numerators) together and multiply them. Then keep the bottom numbers (denominators) together and multiply them. Then simply your answer and you’re done! :)

http://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions_addition.html

How to simplify fractions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApoOgWRsobw

Example of subtracting fractions:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvD_I8tnOV4

***Don't forget that the numerators are the very jealous numbers! You need to multiply the same amount to the numerators as well you do to the denominators. (The video of adding fractions example below give you more details on it.)***

If you do not need to know the answer to the exact decimal place, don’t drag the problem out and make it more confusing.  Write “remainder: 4” (for example) so that the whole problem does not feel overwhelming.  

Give yourself plenty of sheet room to complete the problem.  You will get confused if you cannot follow it visually.

Always remember to drop the next number down so that it can ‘help’ the remainder get bigger to ‘take on’ the divisor.  

The number you’re dividing BY goes on the outside. Visualize the number you are dividing BY trying to get into the number you are dividing’s house.  Many of students make mistakes on at this step; however, the division bracket is good for visualizing this.

http://jmathpage.com/JIMSMultiplicationfactspractice.html

5 x 6 = 5+5+5+5+5+5

Do the two fractions equal each other?  If yes, your answer is correct!