I am going to be a teacher one day. I need help explaining this:
A student asks whether it is easier to add fractions or multiply fractions. What my respone should be?
If you don't know, you should not be a teacher.
Most of us find multiplying fractions easier
a/c * b/d= ab/cd
adding fractions, one has to get a common denominator.
Just because i don't know how to explain something I should not be a teacher. Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I say it's easier to multiply them because you keep the same denominator...i think
mutiply fractions and shoot for your dreams
As a teacher, it's important to provide a thoughtful and informative response to your student's question about whether adding or multiplying fractions is easier. Here's an explanation of both operations and some guidance on how to approach this question:
First, explain what adding fractions involves. To add fractions, the denominators (the bottom numbers) should be the same. If they are not already the same, the student needs to find a common denominator. They do this by finding the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators and then making each fraction equivalent with the LCM as the new denominator. Finally, the numerators (the top numbers) are added together, resulting in the sum.
Next, describe what multiplying fractions entails. When multiplying fractions, the numerators are multiplied together to get the new numerator, and the same is done with the denominators to obtain the new denominator. It's crucial to emphasize the importance of simplifying the fraction if possible.
Now you can address the student's question. Explain that there is no definitive answer to whether adding or multiplying fractions is easier because it depends on the specific fractions involved and the student's familiarity and comfort with each operation. It's important to remind the student to carefully read the problem, think about the quantities involved and the desired outcome, and then decide whether addition or multiplication is the appropriate operation to use.
Encourage your student to practice both adding and multiplying fractions through various exercises and word problems. By gaining experience with both operations, they will develop a better understanding of when to use each one and become more skilled at solving fractions-related questions.
Remember, it's valuable to create an open and supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring mathematical concepts. Providing guidance and encouraging practice will further their development and confidence in handling fractions.