Write in Simplest Form

Teaching Notes

Focus: Simplify and Write as a Mixed Number. Use the worked example and teaching sequence below to explain the reasoning before independent practice.

Before You Begin

• Read the numbers and identify the operation.

Teaching Steps for Parents and Teachers

1. Find a common factor of the numerator and denominator.
2. Divide both by that same factor. Continue until they have no common factor greater than 1.
3. If the numerator is greater than the denominator, divide to write the result as a mixed number.

Worked Examples

Simplify 14/12 and write it as a mixed number.

1. Divide both 14 and 12 by their common factor 2: 14/12 = 7/6.
2. 7 ÷ 6 = 1 R 1, so 7/6 = 1 1/6.

Answer: 1 1/6

Common Mistakes and How to Help

The answer does not match the requested form or place.

Return to the worked example. Ask the learner to explain each step and check the result against the original question.

Questions to Check Understanding

• What does each number in this example represent?
• Why does the final answer have this form?
• Can you explain the same steps using another example?

Practice Advice

Work through the example together. Ask the learner to explain the first two problems, then try three independently. Review the first incorrect step before assigning more practice.

Next Practice

• Use New Numbers to practice the same skill with different values.
• If the learner needs help, return to the example and model each step before trying again.