Year 6 - Maths
Reason about how to write a fraction in its simplest form
Addition and subtraction of fractions
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will explain how to write a fraction in its simplest form when solving addition and subtraction problems.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to reason about how to write a fraction in its simplest form.
Key Notes
- A common factor is a number which is a factor of both the numerator and denominator.
- A fraction is in its simplest form when there is no common factor of the numerator and the denominator.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Common factor: When we compare lists of factors of two or more numbers, common factors are those shared by all the numbers.
- Simplify: To simplify a fraction is to identify the highest common factor shared by the numerator and denominator and to scale down both by that factor.
- Equivalent: If two numbers or expressions have the same value, they are said to be equivalent.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils try to make a fraction in a simpler form by finding separate factors for the numerator and denominator to simplify.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
A common factor is a number which is a factor of both the numerator and denominator. A fraction is in its simplest form when there is no common factor of the numerator and the denominator.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Common factor'
When we compare lists of factors of two or more numbers, common factors are those shared by all the numbers. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils try to make a fraction in a simpler form by finding separate factors for the numerator and denominator to simplify. Correction: Share examples for why this cannot be true with images to highlight the difference in the size of the fractions. Draw attention to the fact that it is both the numerator and denominator that needs to be scaled by a common factor.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Add and subtract non-related fractions with different denominators Study Guide
- Explain how to add related unit fractions with a representation or image Study Guide
- Explain how to add related unit fractions without a representation or image Study Guide
- Explain how to subtract related unit fractions Study Guide
- Explain how to write a fraction in its simplest form Study Guide
- Explain with and without an image how to add and subtract related non-unit fractions Study Guide
- Explain with and without images how to add and subtract related non-unit fractions bridging a whole Study Guide
- Use knowledge of adding and subtracting related unit fractions to solve problems Study Guide
- Use knowledge of fractions in their simplest form when solving addition and subtraction problems Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 6 Maths guide library.