Use the relationship between the numerator and denominator to simplify fractions
I can use the relationship between the numerator and denominator to simplify fractions.
Use the relationship between the numerator and denominator to simplify fractions
I can use the relationship between the numerator and denominator to simplify fractions.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- If the multiplicative relationship between the numerator and denominator is the same, the fractions will be equivalent.
- If a fraction has been simplified, the numerator and denominator are as small as they can be to keep the relationship.
- Create an equivalent fraction in a simpler form with lower values of the numerator and denominator.
- Use common factors of the numerator and denominator to simplify fractions.
Keywords
Common factor - When you are comparing the factors of two numbers, a common factor is one shared by both numbers.
Simplest form - When a fraction is in its simplest form, the numerator and denominator only share a common factor of one.
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.
Scale up/down - To scale up or down is to multiply or divide by a given number or factor.
Common misconception
Pupils may not see that the fraction and its simplified version are equivalent. Pupils may not have a deep understanding of how factors relate to fractions.
Stress the equivalence of fractions when simplifying and make use of representations to show that fractions are equivalent using parts of a whole and position on a number line. Discuss the language of factors, common factors and prime numbers.
To help you plan your year 5 maths lesson on: Use the relationship between the numerator and denominator to simplify fractions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 maths lesson on: Use the relationship between the numerator and denominator to simplify fractions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Comparing fractions using equivalence and decimals unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
$${6}\over{9}$$ -
$${2}\over{3}$$
$${6}\over{14}$$ -
$${3}\over{7}$$
$${7}\over{14}$$ -
$${1}\over{2}$$
$${9}\over{12}$$ -
$${3}\over{4}$$
$${12}\over{15}$$ -
$${4}\over{5}$$