Happy Second Week of Summer!

When comparing and ordering fractions with the same DENOMINATOR, it's pretty easy. The fraction with the larger numerator is the larger. Remember definitions:

But if the denominators are different, then if becomes a bit more challenging. One way to compare fractions with different denominators is to use fractions strips or a fraction number lines.

Being able to place fractions on a number line is also a very important skill. Sometimes a clear ruler can help you reading fraction number lines. For the first question, put the ruler on 1/2. Is 1/3 to the left or right of 1/2? If it is to the left, then it is less than 1/2. If it is to the right, then it is greater. If the ruler is at the same point for two fractions, then the fractions are EQUIVALENT.

The next set of questions require a bit of thinking. Sometimes the heavy black lines (quarters) are a help, and sometimes you don't use them. Every answer is an EXACT fraction. No estimations! Are you up for the challenge?

In the last problem you have to remember that fractions are not only part of a whole but part of a set. In this set there are 72 coins. If you are trying to find our 1/6 of 72, remember from the first summer post, it's just division (72 divided by 6 = 12). So if 1/6 of 72 is 12, what would 2/6 be? 12 + 12 = 24.

There has been lots of excitement so far this summer. The World Cup has been tremendously entertaining. The France and Belgium semi-final should be a great game, but it would be nice to see the underdogs Croatia or England win. But nothing has been more captivating than the harrowing rescue of more than half of the Thai soccer players trapped deep inside a cave. There are still four players and a coach awaiting rescue. Please take a moment and say a prayer (or two) for them and the heroic divers who are leading them to safety. St. Brendan is the patron saint of divers.