Lyrics

Chorus
How do I work with fractions?
Oh, multiply and divide, you know?
Add, subtract can seem so hard at first
But on this track you’ll learn by the third verse

Verse I
Somebody told me that they was having a problem with
Fractions and how to solve them in math style equations
Like how to add them, subtract them, and multiply them
And then divide them and have the right answer before the day’s end
Though complicated it seems, it’s not as hard if you know
The formulaic approach to find the answer
So if we start at the top and make our way to the bottom
We’ll understand through our mathematical banter

Let’s first examine a fraction, exactly what it’s
Composed of and get a little bit closer to understanding
You’ve got a number on top that’s followed next by a line
Balanced on top of a number on which it’s standing
The number on top is known as the numerator
Denominator’s the number that’s chilling down at the bottom
And all we do is just use this very knowledge as tools
To figure out computations and then we’ve got ‘em

Chorus

Verse II
So let’s say that we take 1∕5 + 1∕5
How do we go about coming up with an answer?
Whether addition with fractions or you’re using subtraction
There are a couple of steps you must adhere to
Since there’s a common denominator we take the 5
And drag it over and add the top numbers
1 and 1 is just 2; 2 over the 5
Makes 2∕5 the solution with no blunders.

Subtraction is just the same except you go in reverse
So 2 minus the 1 would give you 1∕5
And 1∕5 plus 1∕2 requires a li’l different math
We need the bottom numbers the same to start with
To get the lowest common denominator
Which is the smallest number that 5 and 2 go in
Divide the product of 5 and 2 by their greatest common factor (which is 1!)
And you get 10

Chorus

Verse III
Now, in 1∕5 you times the 5 by the 2
And then the 1 by the 2
And wind up with 2∕10
And in 1∕2, you times the 5 in the math
And wind up with 5∕10 + 2∕10 and solve that
And it’s the same if you want to subtract
So we’ll move on to multiplication and figure out that
And these ones have the easiest steps
You just times the tops by the tops
And then the bottom by the lower deck, and simplify

So now we move onward to divide
‘Cause we have cruised smoothly through this ride
So when dividing fractions, you just flip the last one
And after that, then you multiply
Example! 2∕3 ÷ 3∕4 = 2∕3 × 4∕3 = 8∕9
And that’s how you divide
It’s a fraction computation party!

Resources

Further Reading

Website: Education World: The Educator’s Best Friend
Explain Adding and Subtracting Fractions
This website explains how to add and subtract fractions, and provides links to other helpful resources on the topic.

Website: The Math Page
Multiply and Divide Fractions
Using examples, this website explains how to multiply and divide fractions.

Lesson Plans & Activities

Website: ABCTeach
Making a Recipe Booklet (PDF)

Students practice multiplying and dividing fractions by doubling and halving their favorite food recipes.

Website: ABCTeach
Worksheet: Fraction Addition - Unlike (Set 1) (PDF)
This worksheet allows students to practice adding and reducing unlike fractions.

Website: ABCTeach
Worksheet: Fraction Addition - Unlike (Set 2) (PDF)
This worksheet allows students to practice adding and reducing unlike fractions.

Website: ABCTeach
Worksheet: Fraction Division - Unlike (PDF)
This worksheet allows students to practice dividing and reducing unlike fractions.

Website: ABCTeach
Worksheet: Fraction Multiplication - Unlike (Set 1) (PDF)
This worksheet allows students to practice multiplying and reducing unlike fractions.

Website: ABCTeach
Worksheet: Fraction Multiplication - Unlike (Set 2) (PDF)
This worksheet allows students to practice multiplying and reducing unlike fractions.

Website: ABCTeach
Worksheet: Fraction Subtraction - Unlike (Set 1) (PDF)
This worksheet allows students to practice subtracting and reducing unlike fractions.

Website: ABCTeach
Worksheet: Fraction Subtraction - Unlike (Set 2) (PDF)
This worksheet allows students to practice subtracting and reducing unlike fractions.

Website: AtoZTeacherStuff
Felt Fraction Common Denominators
This classroom activity uses felt to visualize how we find common denominators.

Website: AtoZTeacherStuff
Fractions in Everyday Life
This activity uses household objects to show students how fractions are relevant in our everyday lives.

Website: Education World: The Educator’s Best Friend
Equivalent Fraction Bingo
This bingo game gives students practice in understanding the concepts of numerators and denominators.

Website: Education World: The Educator’s Best Friend
Slicing Up Fractions
Students review the concepts of equivalent fractions, adding fractions, and multiplying fractions as they solve problems involving pieces of pizza.

Website: Math Forum
A Tour of Fractions
This collection of fractions lesson plans has a wide array of variety, from activities to reference materials.

Website: SCORE Mathematics
Pumpkin Pie for All!
This is a link to the quintessential pie/fraction lesson.

Media

Website: Math Playground
The Boston Marathon (video)
This animated video takes students on a step-by-step journey of figuring out a fractions problem about a runner’s speed when running the Boston Marathon.