Simplifying, common denominators and comparing fractions

Year 6 · Upper Key Stage 2 · 6F-1 to 6F-3 — Simplify using common factors; express in a common denomination; compare

Draft — awaiting teacher review

Builds on: Fractions of amounts and equivalent fractions (Year 5), Factors, multiples and prime numbers (Year 5)

Concept Anchor

To simplify, divide the numerator and denominator by the same common factor. To compare or add fractions with different denominators, change them to a common denominator first.

Worked example

Which is bigger: $\tfrac{3}{5}$ or $\tfrac{2}{3}$ ?

1.A common denominator is 15.
2. $\tfrac{3}{5} = \tfrac{9}{15}$ and $\tfrac{2}{3} = \tfrac{10}{15}$ .
3.10 fifteenths is more, so $\tfrac{2}{3}$ is bigger.

Guided Check

Simplify $\tfrac{8}{12}$ .

III

Independent Diagnostic Practice

Q1Year 66F-1 — Simplify a fraction·Fluency·●○○Draft — awaiting teacher review

Write $\tfrac{12}{18}$ in its simplest form.

Q2Year 66F-3 — Compare with different denominators·Reasoning·●●○Draft — awaiting teacher review

Which is bigger: $\tfrac{3}{5}$ or $\tfrac{2}{3}$ ?

Q3Year 66F-2 — Add using a common denominator·Problem Solving·●●●Draft — awaiting teacher review

What is $\tfrac{1}{4} + \tfrac{1}{6}$ ?