A+Fraction+Assessment

 **Extended response questions:**  1. How can you tell if two fractions are equivalent?

2. When is a fraction in simplest form?

3. Why do you need to find a common denominator before adding or subtracting fractions? 

4. 1/2-->1/4 : 1/4-->1/8 AND 1/3-->1/6 : 1/6--> _ Why did you put that answer? What is the relationship between these pairs of fractions?

 5. Crozet Elementary teachers want students to only use #2 pencils or #2 mechanical pencils. To make that happen, the school will now provide all pencils, but we need to figure out what fraction of each kind the school should keep on hand. Several facts are known: 1. Mechanical pencils last twice as long as regular ones. 2. Mechanical pencils may only be used in grades 3, 4, and 5. 3. Mechanical pencils may not be used on bubble tests. 4. There are about the same number of students in grades K-2 as there are in grades 3-5. Using the information provided, what fraction of the total number of pencils should be mechanical pencils? Explain your decision in detail, using the facts.

Please be concise in your explanations, but fully explain your thinking and reasoning.