How Do I (Work with Fractions)?

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!

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Description

This song teaches how to compute fractions with algebra including how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide them by using examples. It explains the numerator, denominator, and how to find the lowest common denominator using the greatest common factor. The teaching materials at the bottom of the page, including worksheets, lesson plans, activities and games are resources for teachers and homeschool parents to generate teaching ideas for the song topic. Students will have a better understanding of fractions and how to use basic math functions with them.

This math song is suitable to help teach fractions to elementary school students (4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade), middle school, high school, home school, and college classes.

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Related Reading and Activities

Reading

Education World
Explain Adding and Subtracting Fractions
This website explains how to add and subtract fractions, and provides links to other helpful resources on the topic. The site is extensive and has worksheets and games in addition to excellent information. Excellent resource.
Grades 3-8

The Math Page
Multiply and Divide Fractions
Using examples, this site explains how to multiply and divide fractions.
Great detail in the explanation will help students who have a difficult time understanding. This is a good exercise for students with problems multiplying or dividing fractions. There are many great lessons on this site!
Grades 5-8

Lesson Plans & Activities

ABCTeach
Worksheet: Fraction Addition – Unlike (Set 1) (PDF)
Worksheet: Fraction Addition – Unlike (Set 2) (PDF)
Worksheet: Fraction Division – Unlike (PDF)
Worksheet: Fraction Multiplication – Unlike (Set 1) (PDF)
Worksheet: Fraction Multiplication – Unlike (Set 2) (PDF)
Worksheet: Fraction Subtraction – Unlike (Set 1) (PDF)
Worksheet: Fraction Subtraction – Unlike (Set 2) (PDF)
These worksheets allow students to practice subtracting and reducing unlike fractions. Bare bones worksheets, but get the job done. Can be easily downloaded and reprinted.
Grades 4-8

AtoZTeacherStuff
Fractions in Everyday Life
This activity uses household objects (measuring spoons, cups, etc) and a recipe which they double and multiply out even farther to show students how fractions are relevant in our everyday lives. Recipe with lots of fractions included. Could be fun.
Grades 3-8

Education World
Equivalent Fraction Bingo
This bingo game gives students practice in understanding the concepts of numerators and denominators. This could be fun! The bingo grid, fractions for the card and flash cards are all included. Easy to put together and use.
Grades 3-8

Slicing Up Fractions
Students review the concepts of equivalent fractions, adding fractions, and multiplying fractions as they solve problems involving pieces of pizza. Thorough and visually rewarding. Excellent as introduction to fractions or for younger students.
Grades 3-8

Math Forum
A Tour of Fractions
This collection of fractions lesson plans has a wide array of variety, from activities to reference materials. Lots of resources here on a variety of levels.
Grades 3-8

SCORE Mathematics
Pumpkin Pie for All!
This is a link to the quintessential pie/fraction lesson. California State standards are listed at the end.
Grades 2-8

Media

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. This is a fun site with other math games and puzzles too.
Grades 4-8

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State Standards

State standards listed here are representative of school standards across the United States.

California

5th Grade
Number Sense: 2.3 - Solve simple problems, including ones in concrete situations, involving addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers (like and unlike denominators of 20 or less). Express answers in simplest form.
Number Sense: 2.4 - Understand concept of multiplication and division of fractions.
Number Sense: 2.5 - Compute and perform simple multiplication and division of fractions. Apply procedures to solving problems.

6th Grade
Number Sense: 2.1 - Solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of positive fractions. Explain particular operation used for situation.
Number Sense: 2.2 - Explain meaning of multiplication and division of positive fractions. Perform calculations.

7th Grade
Number Sense: 1.2 - Add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers (integers, fractions and terminating decimals). Take positive rational numbers to whole-number powers.

Florida

5th Grade
MA.5.4.2.2 - Add and subtract fractions and decimals fluently. Verify reasonableness of results, including in problem situations.

6th Grade
MA.6.A.1.1 - Explain and justify procedures for multiplying and dividing fractions decimals.
MA.6.A.1.2 - Multiply and divide fractions/decimals efficiently.
MA.6.A.1.2 - Solve real-world problems involving multiplication and division of fractions and decimals.

7th Grade
MA.7.A.3.2 - Add, subtract, multiply and divide integers, fractions and terminating decimals. Perform exponential operations with rational bases and whole number exponents including solving problems in everyday contexts.

Illinois

4th-6th Grades
6.A.2 - Compare and order whole numbers, fractions and decimals using concrete materials, drawings and mathematical symbols.
6.B.2 - Solve one- and two-step problems involving whole numbers, fractions and decimals using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
6.C.2a - Select and perform computational procedures to solve problems with whole numbers, fractions and decimals.

7th-8th Grades
6.C.3a - Select computational procedures and solve problems with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents and proportions. Select computational procedures and solve problems with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents and proportions.

Massachusetts

3rd & 4th Grades
4.N.19 - Use concrete objects and visual models to add and subtract common fractions.

5th & 6th Grades
6.N.9 - Select and use appropriate operations to solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and positive integer exponents with whole numbers, positive fractions, mixed numbers and decimals/percents.
6.N.14 - Accurately and efficiently add, subtract, multiply and divide positive fractions and mixed numbers. Simplify fractions.
6.N.16 - Estimate results of computations with whole numbers, positive fractions, mixed numbers, decimals and percents. Describe reasonableness of estimates.

7th & 8th Grades
8.N.10 - Estimate and compute with fractions (inc. simplification of fractions), integers, decimals and percents (inc. those greater than 100 and less than 1).

New York

4th Grade
4.N.23 - Add and subtract proper fractions with common denominators.

5th Grade
5.N.21 - Use a variety of strategies to add and subtract fractions with like denominators.

6th Grade
5.N.16 - Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
5.N.17 - Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with unlike denominators.

Texas

6th Grade
6.2.A - Model addition and subtraction situations involving fractions with objects, pictures, words and numbers.
6.2.B - Use addition and subtraction to solve problems involving fractions and decimals.

7th Grade
7.2.A - Use addition and subtraction to solve problems involving fractions and decimals. Represent multiplication and division situations involving fractions and decimals with models, including concrete objects, pictures, words and numbers.
7.2.B - Use addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to solve problems involving fractions and decimals.

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