Simplification Station Worksheet Simplification Station
Mission: Scrub those fractions down to their simplest form!
Name:
Date:
The Even Numbers Rule
If the numerator and denominator are both EVEN , you can always divide by 2 to start cleaning up!
Start Fraction
8
14
2
2
Simplified
4
7
Fraction Clean-Up Rack
6
12
8
16
10
20
4
18
9
21
12
30
15
20
25
50
THE FINAL CHECK
How do you know when a fraction is "clean" (in simplest form)? Describe what you look for.
Fraction Clean Up Slides Fraction Clean Up
Simplifying with Division
DIVIDE TOP
DIVIDE BOTTOM
Warm Up: Even or Odd?
I'll point to a number. You shout EVEN or ODD as loud as you can!
Remember:
Even numbers end in: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
12
7
24
15
30
9
42
3
100
Method 2: Division
We've seen that we can MULTIPLY to find equivalent fractions.
But can we DIVIDE?
"How do you know which number to divide by?"
Let's watch the expert!
Embedded media
Focus: Finding equivalent fractions by dividing
The "Even Rule" Secret
LOOK!
8
14
Both are EVEN!
Divide by 2
4
7
Cleaned Up!
Your Mission
1
Find the "Cluttered" fraction on your worksheet.
2
Are they both EVEN? Divide by 2!
3
Keep cleaning until you can't divide anymore!
The Big Question
"How do you know when you are finished dividing?"
Simplest Form
Fraction Clean Up Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Fraction Clean Up
Grade 4 | Simplifying Fractions | Duration: 45-50 Minutes
Objective
Students will simplify fractions by identifying common factors and dividing both the numerator and denominator by the same number.
Materials
Fraction Clean Up Slides
Simplification Station Worksheet
Calculators (for differentiation)
Counters (optional manipulatives)
Lesson Procedure
5m
Warm-up: Even or Odd Shout-out
Use Slide 2. Point to various numbers on the board. Students shout "Even" or "Odd". Focus on the end digits (0, 2, 4, 6, 8). This prepares them for the "Even Number Rule" for division.
10m
Visual Learning: Method 2 (Division)
Watch video from 2:29 to end. **Pause at 2:45**: Ask, "The narrator decided to divide. How did they know they could divide by 2?" (Numerator and Denominator are even).
20m
Simplification Station (Worksheet)
Students "clean up" cluttered fractions. Encourage them to use the "Even Rule" first. If they find numbers that aren't even (like 9/21), ask them to look for other factors (like 3).
Differentiation: For struggling students, provide "Simplification Counters" to model the division visually or use a multiplication chart to find common factors.
10m
Closure: Simplest Form Discussion
Discuss: "How do you know when you are finished dividing?" Aim for responses like "there are no more numbers that divide into both" or "one of the numbers is 1 or a prime number."
Answer Key
6/12 1/2
9/21 3/7
8/16 1/2
12/30 2/5
10/20 1/2
15/20 3/4
4/18 2/9
25/50 1/2
Simplification Counters Printable Simplification Counters
Cut these out to help model dividing fractions into equal groups.
1
2
1
2
1
3
1
3
1
4
1
4
1
4
1
4
1
5
1
5
1
5
1
5
How to use:
If simplifying 4/8, give the student 8 empty circles. Have them group the "denominator" into equal sets to find the largest "numerator" group that fits evenly.
