Virginia SOL Math / Grade 6 / Computation & Estimation

6.CE.1

Operations with Fractions

What you'll learn

  • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and mixed numbers
  • Solve single-step and multistep problems in context
  • Estimate results to check for reasonableness

Words to know

Mixed number —
a whole number and a fraction, like 2 1/3
Reciprocal —
a fraction flipped over, like 3/4 becomes 4/3
Common denominator —
the same bottom number for two fractions
Simplest form —
a fraction with no common factor above 1
Product —
the answer to a multiplication problem

Why it matters Recipes, measurements, and building projects use fractions, so we must combine and split them accurately.

Worked examples

Model ItI do

Multiply 2/3 times 3/5.

Multiply the numerators and the denominators: 2 times 3 = 6 and 3 times 5 = 15, giving 6/15. Divide top and bottom by 3 to simplify: 6/15 = 2/5.

Try It TogetherWe do

Divide 3/4 by 1/2.

Dividing means multiplying by the reciprocal: 3/4 times 2/1 = 6/4. Written in simplest form that is 3/2, or 1 1/2.

Now YouYou do

Add 1/4 + 1/3.

Find a common denominator, rewrite each fraction, then add. Check your answer in the back of this chapter.

Practice

Mastered 0 of 11

Warm-up

Ease in with the basics.

  1. 1.Find 1/8 + 3/8.

  2. 2.Find 3/4 - 1/4.

  3. 3.Find 1/2 times 1/3.

On Level

The core Quick Check from the book.

  1. 1.Find 1/2 + 1/6.

  2. 2.Find 5/6 - 1/3.

  3. 3.Find 2/5 times 1/4.

  4. 4.Find 3/4 divided by 1/8.

  5. 5.A recipe needs 2/3 cup of flour. For a double batch, how much flour is needed?

Challenge

Stretch your thinking.

  1. 1.Find 2 1/3 + 1 1/2.

  2. 2.Find 5/6 divided by 2/3.

  3. 3.A board is 3/4 yard long. If it is cut into pieces each 1/8 yard long, how many pieces are made?