Introduction
Hello, Year 6! Today, we are going to learn how to find a fraction of an amount using a method called cancelling. This might sound tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be great at it!
What Does It Mean to Find a Fraction of an Amount?
Finding a fraction of an amount means you want to take a part of that amount, based on the fraction given. For example, if you want to find $\frac{1}{2}$ of 8, you are looking for half of 8, which is 4.
What is Cancelling?
Cancelling is a way to simplify fractions before you do the calculations. It helps make your numbers smaller and easier to work with.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding a Fraction of an Amount by Cancelling
- Write Down the Fraction: Start with the fraction you need to find. For example, $\frac{2}{3}$.
- Multiply by the Amount: Next, multiply this fraction by the total amount you have. For example, if you want to find $\frac{2}{3}$ of 12, you write:\frac{2}{3} \times 12
- Change the Whole Number to a Fraction: Remember that any whole number can be turned into a fraction by putting it over 1. So, 12 becomes $\frac{12}{1}$:\frac{2}{3} \times \frac{12}{1}
- Multiply the Numerators and Denominators: Now, multiply the top numbers (numerators) and the bottom numbers (denominators):\frac{2 \times 12}{3 \times 1} = \frac{24}{3}
- Cancelling: Before you multiply, see if you can simplify (or cancel) the fraction. Look for common numbers in the numerator and denominator. In our example, we can see that 24 and 3 have a common factor of 3:\frac{24 \div 3}{3 \div 3} = \frac{8}{1} = 8
- Conclusion: So, $\frac{2}{3}$ of 12 is 8.
Key Rules to Remember
- Always simplify fractions if you can before multiplying.
- Remember that cancelling can make your calculations easier.
- Check if the numbers have any common factors.
Tips and Tricks
- Look for easy numbers to cancel, like 2, 3, or 5.
- Practise with different fractions and amounts to build your confidence.
- Use visual aids like fraction circles or bars to help you understand.
Questions
Easy Level
- Find $\frac{1}{2}$ of 10.
- Find $\frac{3}{4}$ of 8.
- Find $\frac{2}{5}$ of 20.
- Find $\frac{1}{3}$ of 9.
- Find $\frac{1}{4}$ of 16.
- Find $\frac{3}{5}$ of 15.
- Find $\frac{2}{3}$ of 30.
- Find $\frac{1}{2}$ of 14.
- Find $\frac{1}{5}$ of 25.
- Find $\frac{3}{6}$ of 12.
Medium Level
- Find $\frac{2}{7}$ of 21.
- Find $\frac{5}{8}$ of 32.
- Find $\frac{3}{10}$ of 50.
- Find $\frac{4}{9}$ of 36.
- Find $\frac{3}{5}$ of 25.
- Find $\frac{2}{6}$ of 18.
- Find $\frac{3}{4}$ of 28.
- Find $\frac{1}{3}$ of 15.
- Find $\frac{5}{6}$ of 48.
- Find $\frac{7}{8}$ of 64.
Hard Level
- Find $\frac{9}{10}$ of 70.
- Find $\frac{3}{11}$ of 121.
- Find $\frac{8}{15}$ of 75.
- Find $\frac{5}{12}$ of 48.
- Find $\frac{7}{9}$ of 81.
- Find $\frac{11}{13}$ of 65.
- Find $\frac{4}{5}$ of 100.
- Find $\frac{6}{11}$ of 110.
- Find $\frac{9}{14}$ of 84.
- Find $\frac{8}{9}$ of 72.
Answers
Easy Level Answers
- 5
- 6
- 8
- 3
- 4
- 9
- 20
- 7
- 5
- 6
Medium Level Answers
- 6
- 20
- 15
- 16
- 15
- 6
- 21
- 5
- 40
- 56
Hard Level Answers
- 63
- 33
- 40
- 20
- 63
- 55
- 80
- 60
- 54
- 64
Now you are ready to tackle fractions of amounts by cancelling! Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be a fraction expert!