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How to Learn Fractions (Part 2)

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As a teacher, I can easily say that most students have difficulties with fractions because they are not used to the idea of non-whole numbers.

Why did I say ‘non-whole’ numbers as opposed to ‘fractions’? Well, students, up to grades 4 or 5 have always used whole numbers in math class. Whole numbers are easy to use; you just have to perform one function with one number (e.g. 5 x 4 = 20). Now, students are given a different concept!

Non-whole numbers, or fractions.

Students are told that this new concept is ‘part of a whole’. Sure, they can visualize half a pizza, or three quarters of a chocolate bar, but what about multiplying, dividing, and changing improper fractions to mixed numbers?

If your child is having difficulty with fractions, my first advice would be for you to get your child lessons from a certified teacher (Tutorgiant anyone?). If you want to try to tackle the fraction monster on your own (or at least try to get a better understanding in order to help your child), here are some tips:

· Find manipulatives (concrete examples of fractions…you can cut out shapes, use coins, or purchase manipulatives at your local education store) and ‘show’ your child how to add and subtract fractions.

· Make the fraction problem as easy as possible. You can simplify almost every fraction you have by using simple numbers, one through nine. Then determine what number is divisible for both the numerator (the top number) and denominator (the bottom number which refers to the total number of parts). For example, in the fraction 4/8, the 4 goes into itself once and into 8 two times giving us a fraction of ½.

· Try to find a common denominator. For example, with the fractions 2/4 and 5/6 we can see that both 4 and 6 go into 12 (12 is referred to as the lowest common denominator because it is the lowest number that both 4 and 6 multiply to), so 12 is the common denominator. Now, you can add or subtract the fraction.

· Draw diagrams. Have your child draw circles or squares with sections to represent the fractions.

· Make sure your child has an excellent grasp of multiples (e.g. 3, 6, 9, and 12) and multiplication tables.

Fractions are not easy to learn for most students. Try to incorporate the above skills and strategies and your child will have a better understanding of fractions.

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Tutorgiant.com provides complete Fractions lessons with worksheets.

See some of the lessons in our video library.

FRACTIONS - Lesson (A) Introduction to Fractions (Grades 1-2)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (B) Fractions of Sets (Grade 3)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (C) Comparing Fractions (Grade 3)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (D) Equivalent (Grades 4-5)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (E) Equivalent (Numerical) (Grades 4-5)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (F) Changing Fractions to Decimals (Grades 4-5)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (F2) Changing Fractions to Decimals Using Division (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (G) Changing Decimals into Fractions (Grades 4-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (H) Comparing (Grade 5)