WilliamFA

**Extended response questions:**  1. How can you tell if two fractions are equivalent? If the denominators s are the same and the numerator is too then they are equivalent. If the denominators are different (e.g. 1/2 and 2/4) then you have to simplify both of them to the smallest possible number and then if both of the fractions are the same then they are equivalent. If the denominators are different and the numerators are the same then they can't be simplified in any way and make them the same

2. When is a fraction in simplest form? When you can not reduce it any more. Example: Bob made a cake and cut it into 12 slices. Michael ate half of it. How much did Michael eat? Make your answer in the simplest form!

Answer: __6/12 of the cake.__ Answer in simplest form: __1/2 of the cake.__

3. Why do you need to find a common denominator before adding or subtracting fractions?  So you will not get the problem wrong. Example:

1/3+1/6= 2/6+1/6= 1+2= 3 (add 3 on the numerator) = 3/6

4. 1/2-->1/4 : 1/4-->1/8 AND 1/3-->1/6 : 1/6--> 1/12 Why did you put that answer? What is the relationship between these pairs of fractions? The rule of the problem is multiplying the denominator by 2 so 2X6=12 and 12 will be moved to be on the denominator so that is 1/12  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. I think that there is about 350 students in 3 to 5th grade so I think that there should be about 400 mechanical pencals. I think that there should be 50 extra pencils just in case some of them break.