Analogy for Adding Fractions (by William)

September 17, 2017

Dear Ms. West,

Thank you for teaching me so much about fractions! A fraction is a part of a whole. I learned that a fraction is made up of a denominator and a numerator. The denominator tells how many equal parts there are in a whole. The numerator tells how many parts are shaded. To find equivalent fractions, you have to find a common divisor or multiplier, then divide or multiply both the denominator and the numerator to get the same value. If you apply the divisor to both the denominator and numerator, you are simplifying. If you are multiplying, you are unsimplifying.

When adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, you need to find a common factor to make the denominators the same. I have an analogy. When people are getting married, they need to find common ground (same denominators). If they don’t, the couple needs to convert to have common ground, then just add the numerators to form a new family (answers).

I hope I can learn more on fractions!

Best Regards, 

William