9.6 Draw a Diagram (p.218-219)

Steps to Solving Word Problems by drawing a diagram:
1. Think about what you know and what you are being asked to find
2. Plan a strategy - draw a diagram to show what is happening in the question
3. Solve the problem and make sure you are answering the question being asked.

9.5 Subtract Mixed Numbers (p.214-217)

I.Subtract mixed numbers that require borrowing from the whole:
-Use the same steps as before but borrow from a whole when subtracting a larger fraction or turn into improper fractions and then simplify.

Ex. 4 1/2 - 2 4/5 :
-- find a common denominator
4 1/2 = 4 5/10
- 2 4/5 = 2 8/10
--The fraction 8/10 is larger than 5/10 so you need to borrow from the 4 whole.
4 5/10 = 3 15/10 (as an improper fraction)
--Use the improper fraction when subtracting
3 15/10
-2 8/10
-----------
0 7/10 = 7/10

9.4 Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers (p.210-213)

I. Steps for Adding or Subtracting Mixed Numbers
1. Find the LCD
2. Find the equivalent fractions.
3. Add or subtract the fractions and add or subtract the whole numbers.
4. Write your answer in simplest form.

9.3 Add and Subtract Decimals

Three steps for adding or subtracting fractions
1. Make sure denominators are the same. (use LCM to find common denominator)
2. Add the numerators – write the sum over the common denominator
3. Simplify if necessary (this could mean writing as a mixed number).


How to Add & Subtract Fractions -- powered by eHow.com
Check out these examples from mathisfun.com

9.1 Estimate Sums and Differences (p.200-203)

I.Use benchmark numbers to estimate:
A. Benchmark numbers are numbers that are easy to work with --> 0, 1/2, 1 whole
B.Compare the numerator (top) to the denominator (bottom)

Find out if the numerator is:

• far away from the denominator (ex. 1/9: between 0 and 1/2, but closer to 0--> 0)


• close to half of the denominator (ex. 3/5: between 1/2 and 1, but closer to 1/2--> 1/2)


• almost the same as the denominator (ex. 7/8: it is between 1/2 and 1, but closer to 1--> 1 whole )

II. Use a range to estimate when you are working with quarters (equivalent to fourths)

A. 1/4 is exactly in the middle between 0 and 1/2 so we can use either 0 or 1/2 as estimates for 1/4.

ex. 3 1/4 + 2 7/8

3 1/4--> could be 3 or 3 1/2 for our estimate - use both to find the range

2 7/8 would become 3 for our estimate

3+3 = 6

3 1/2 + 3 = 6 1/2

The range is between 6 and 6 1/2, our estimate could 6 1/4 which is between 6 and 6 1/2

Chapter 9 Overview

Chapter 9 is a focus on adding and subtracting fractions. Here is a link from themathpage.com that explains most of the concepts we will be covering in Chapter 9.