In Saxon Math Course 1, Grade 6 Lesson 70, students learn how to reduce fraction terms across numerators and denominators of different fractions before multiplying, a technique known as canceling. The lesson covers applying this method to proper fractions, mixed numbers converted to improper fractions, and division problems rewritten as multiplication using reciprocals. Students practice simplifying products more efficiently by canceling common factors before computing rather than reducing after multiplying.
Section 1
📘 Reducing Fractions Before Multiplying
Before multiplying, you can simplify by reducing common factors in numerators and denominators across fractions. This process is also known as canceling.
This is the foundational skill. Next, you'll apply canceling to problems involving mixed numbers and see how it works in fraction division.
Section 2
Canceling
Before multiplying fractions, you can simplify by dividing any numerator and any denominator by a common factor. This process is called canceling.
Example 1:
Think of canceling as a super-shortcut! Instead of multiplying large numbers to get a giant fraction you have to reduce later, you simplify first. It’s like cleaning up your room a little at a time instead of waiting for a huge mess. This makes multiplication way faster and easier, with less chance of making a mistake.
Section 3
Multiplying with Mixed Numbers
To multiply mixed numbers, first convert them into improper fractions. Then, you can cancel common factors and multiply.
Example 1:
Mixed numbers are like party crashers in multiplication—they don't follow the rules! To handle them, you must first convert them into improper fractions. Once they're in the right format, they can join the canceling party with everyone else. It's the secret password to solving these problems easily, so don’t forget this important first step.
Section 4
Dividing Fractions with Canceling
A division problem must be rewritten as a multiplication problem before you can cancel. To divide, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
Example 1:
Remember: you cannot cancel in a division problem directly! It's an exclusive club for multiplication only. To get your problem on the guest list, you have to use the 'keep, change, flip' method. Flip the second fraction to find its reciprocal, change the sign to multiply, and then you're officially invited to the canceling party.
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Section 1
📘 Reducing Fractions Before Multiplying
Before multiplying, you can simplify by reducing common factors in numerators and denominators across fractions. This process is also known as canceling.
This is the foundational skill. Next, you'll apply canceling to problems involving mixed numbers and see how it works in fraction division.
Section 2
Canceling
Before multiplying fractions, you can simplify by dividing any numerator and any denominator by a common factor. This process is called canceling.
Example 1:
Think of canceling as a super-shortcut! Instead of multiplying large numbers to get a giant fraction you have to reduce later, you simplify first. It’s like cleaning up your room a little at a time instead of waiting for a huge mess. This makes multiplication way faster and easier, with less chance of making a mistake.
Section 3
Multiplying with Mixed Numbers
To multiply mixed numbers, first convert them into improper fractions. Then, you can cancel common factors and multiply.
Example 1:
Mixed numbers are like party crashers in multiplication—they don't follow the rules! To handle them, you must first convert them into improper fractions. Once they're in the right format, they can join the canceling party with everyone else. It's the secret password to solving these problems easily, so don’t forget this important first step.
Section 4
Dividing Fractions with Canceling
A division problem must be rewritten as a multiplication problem before you can cancel. To divide, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
Example 1:
Remember: you cannot cancel in a division problem directly! It's an exclusive club for multiplication only. To get your problem on the guest list, you have to use the 'keep, change, flip' method. Flip the second fraction to find its reciprocal, change the sign to multiply, and then you're officially invited to the canceling party.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter