Simplifying Fractions - PowerPoint

A PowerPoint presentation designed for Year 6 students introduces the concept of simplifying fractions by using the highest common factor. The educational material explains why simplifying fractions is necessary, particularly when dealing with large numbers that can be confusing. Simplification makes fractions easier to understand and work with. The presentation guides students through the process of identifying equivalent fractions using a fraction wall, which visually demonstrates how fractions such as 8/12, 2/3, and 4/6 can be represented in simpler forms.

The lesson continues with strategies for simplifying fractions that are too large to be easily compared on a fraction wall. Students are encouraged to discuss with a partner and find common factors for both the numerator and the denominator. The presentation illustrates the simplification process by dividing both terms of the fraction by the same factor, ensuring the result is in its simplest form. For example, 300/500 simplifies to 3/5 after dividing by the common factor of 100. The material also presents various examples and exercises where students can practice simplifying different fractions, reinforcing the concept that the simplest form of a fraction has the smallest numerator and denominator that cannot be simplified any further.