This document outlines topics to be covered in an upcoming math class, including reducing fractions, comparing fractions, finding common denominators, and setting up and reducing fractions in word problems. It also notes that there will be no class the following Monday as the teacher will be attending a conference. Examples are provided for reducing fractions, comparing fractions, and setting up fractions in word problems.

1. • 1. Review: Improper Fractions, Mixed Numbers,
Equivalent Fractions, Discuss HW
• 2. Reducing Fractions
• 3. Comparing Fractions
• 4. Finding the Lowest Common Denominator
• 5. Setting Up Fractions and Reducing (Word
Problems)
• NO CLASS MONDAY. I am going to a conference
in Kent. Lucky me.

2. • Change to a mixed number.
• Change to an improper fraction.
• Raise to higher terms.

3. • Summary: Reducing changes the numbers in
a fraction, but it does not change the VALUE
of a fraction.
Example: Reduce
To reduce a fraction,
you divide both the •Step 1: Divide
numerator and both 14 and 16
denominator by a
by a number
number that goes
into them both that goes evenly
evenly. into both of
them.

4. • Summary: Reducing changes the numbers in
a fraction, but it does not change the VALUE
of a fraction.
•Step 1: Divide Example: Reduce
both 30 and 45
by a number
that goes evenly
into both of
them.

5. • Measurement problems often require you to write
one amount as a fraction of a larger unit.
• This will require you to know how to set up
fractions and reduce to lowest terms.
What fraction of a yard is 32 inches, if one
yard equals 36 inches?
• What is the part? 32
• What is the whole? 36

7. • Summary: To compare fractions, you must have the
same denominators. Raise each fraction to higher
terms, then the new compare numerators.
Example: Which fraction is bigger,
•Step 1: Find a
common denominator ×7 21
for 5 and 7 and raise to 7
higher terms. ×7 5) 35
•Step 2: Look at the
numerators and
decide which one is
×5 25 5
×5 7) 35
bigger.

8. • You will need to know how to set up fractions
and reduce them.
Example: John makes $800 a month. He pays $200 a
month to rent a room. What fraction of his income does
John pay for rent?
• Step 1: Find the whole.
Write it in the denominator.
• Step 2: Find the part. Write
it in the numerator.
• Step 3: Reduce.

9. Example: Frank bought a 100-pound bag of cement. He
used 20 pounds of cement to fix the steps at the back of
his house. What part of the cement was left?
• Step 1: Find the whole.
100-30=70
Write it in the denominator.
• Step 2: Find the part. The
part that is left of the cement.
• Step 3: Reduce.

10. Example: Gordon’s baseball team won 12 games and lost
6 last season. What fraction of the games did they win?
• Step 1: Find the whole.
(wins+losses=total games)
Write it in the denominator. 12+6=18
• Step 2: Find the part. The
part they won is given in the
problem.
• Step 3: Reduce.