Max Maths, Year 6, Try it, Fractions in their simplest form

In an engaging activity from Max Maths designed for Year 6 pupils, students are encouraged to explore fractions in their simplest form through real-world examples. The first question asks them to determine what fraction of a collection of ice creams are strawberry-flavoured. To do this, students must note the number of strawberry ice creams and the total number of ice creams, and then express this as a fraction. The exercise challenges them to observe and analyse the proportion of a specific flavour within a group, enhancing their understanding of fractions in a practical context.

The second question focuses on toy cars, asking students to identify what fraction of them are blue. After counting the blue toy cars and the total number of cars, they write down the fraction representing the blue cars. The lesson then guides them through the process of simplifying this fraction to its lowest terms. This involves dividing both the numerator and the denominator by the same number until they cannot be reduced any further. The activity not only teaches the concept of fractions but also introduces the method of simplification, which is a fundamental skill in handling fractions efficiently. Through these exercises, students learn to express parts of a whole both in their original and reduced forms, fostering a deeper comprehension of fractions and their applications.