What Does Scaling Fractions Mean?
Scaling fractions is like using a magic magnifying glass or shrinking ray on numbers!
When we scale a fraction by another fraction, we're making it bigger or smaller. It's like saying "I want 3/4 of 2/3 of a pizza" - we're taking part of a part!
How to Scale Fractions by Fractions
1️⃣ Multiply the numerators (top numbers) together
2️⃣ Multiply the denominators (bottom numbers) together
3️⃣ Simplify your answer if possible
Let's Try Some Examples!
Example 1: Cookie Fractions
Imagine you have 2/3 of a cookie, and you want to eat 1/2 of that amount. How much cookie will you eat?
Original: 2/3 cookie
Scale by: 1/2
Example 2: Paint Mixing
You have 3/4 cup of red paint. The recipe says to use 2/3 of this amount. How much paint should you use?
Original: 3/4 cup
Scale by: 2/3
Parent Tips 🌟
- Use real-life examples: Cooking recipes are perfect for practicing fraction scaling - "We need 3/4 of the 1/2 cup of sugar."
- Visual aids help: Draw rectangles divided into parts and color the scaled fractions to make the concept concrete.
- Connect to multiplication: Remind your child that scaling fractions is just another way to think about multiplying fractions.