An important note in this unit and Unit 3 - 5th grade students must be able to give their answers in simplest form. I will include a few videos on changing improper fractions to mixed/whole numbers and simplifying fractions.
Focus TEKS:
Fractions
Our main focus for this unit will be on adding and subtracting fractions with UNLIKE denominators and use this skill in a variety of contexts.
What I have noticed over the years, is my students are able to add and subtract fractions, but are unable to simplify, or reduce, their answers. This is a skill that was introduced in 4th grade, but is complicated and needs continued practice. If students are struggling with any of their basic multiplication facts, then they will struggle with 5th grade fractions.
All answers on classroom tests, district unit assessments, and the STAAR test will be in simplest form, so it is imperative that they understand how to simplify (or reduce) their fractions.
When simplifying fractions, I teach the students to first try to identify if the fraction is already in simplest form.