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Games on Multiplying Fractions to the Simplest Form

Multiplying fractions is refreshingly easy after students are first introduced to the concept. You simply multiply straight across. So 2/4 x 2/4 = 4/16 because 2 x 2 = 4 and 4 x 4 = 16. The next step, however, can cause problems for many students. Reducing the answer to its simplest form requires a change in approach. As with any subject in school, games can help students get over the toughest parts of an assignment.
  1. Fraction Cutouts

    • After the initial lesson, the first game should be a hands-on experience. Prepare a series of simple questions. Cut circles out of colored paper and fraction pieces to fill them. Label all the pieces with their fraction size. When students find the unsimplified answer to a question, such as 2/8, hand them the fraction pieces and ask them to place these pieces in a blank circle together. Then have them compare these joined pieces to the single pieces that they think might be the same size. In this case, a 1/4 piece will be the answer.

    Division Switch

    • The toughest part of these problems is the switch to division at then end. Given an answer of 2/8, you must divide top and bottom by the same number to get a simplified answer. Represent the change in thinking with a change in location. Give the entire class worksheets with fraction-multiplying problems, but tell them to stop before simplifying their answers. When they have all the questions ready for simplification, ask students to switch desks before they start dividing fractions to reduce them.

    Fractions Jeopardy

    • Imitate the well-known television show by giving students the answers and asking them what the question was. For example, say "one-fourth" and ask them to come up with a fraction that would reduce to that amount. There are several right "questions" for most "answers." In the case of 1/4, the student could correctly respond with 2/8, 3/12 or 4/16.

    Who Wants To Be a Multiplying Fractions Milionaire?

    • When students have acquired a certain amount of mastery over this topic, challenge them with a game that resembles the television show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" Create a chart with ascending extra-credit point values for fraction multiplication and allow them to use friends in the class as lifelines. For added fun, allow them to use their cell phones to make calls to friends and experts.

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