Fractions form an integral part of the primary school math curriculum in Singapore, starting from Primary 2 and extending through Primary 6. Mastering fractions not only helps students excel in PSLE maths but also equips them with essential skills to navigate everyday situations. Join us as we explore several practical and engaging examples to help primary school students grasp the concept of fractions and understand its role in daily life.
1. Measuring Length and Distance
Understanding the principles of fractions can make planning and completing day-to-day tasks much easier. Take a trip to the park as an example. If a child needs to walk a distance of 3/4 of a kilometre, they must understand how to interpret and use this fraction to gauge the distance accurately. This simple fraction example for primary school math allows students to better comprehend the concept of distance, making planning a journey more manageable.
2. Time Management
If you are a parent wondering how to help your child score well in PSLE maths, focusing on effective time management is just as crucial as academic support. It enables your child to allocate ample time for each topic to dive into complex concepts and avoid the stress of last-minute cramming.
In this context, students can use fractions to divide their study time and create a balanced revision schedule. For instance, they might allocate 1/3 of their study time to maths and 2/3 to other subjects. This structured approach optimises their study sessions and enhances their overall learning experience.
3. Money and Shopping
Dealing with money and shopping offers another practical use of fractions for kids, helping them calculate savings and make informed purchasing decisions. Consider a scenario where a child is saving money to buy a game that costs $60. If they receive $20 each month as an allowance, they can use fractions to track their savings progress. After one month, they have saved 1/3 of the required amount. By understanding and applying fractions, they can easily calculate how much more they need to save and manage their money more effectively.
Applying fractions to real-world scenarios is how students can improve maths in primary schools. It helps them to see the relevance of their primary school math lessons, encouraging a positive approach to solving math problems.
Mastering Division of Fractions
However, students may encounter more complex fraction problems when they advance through primary school, especially in Primary 6. Learning how to divide fractions is a crucial skill that allows them to make the most of their primary school math syllabus. Here are some practical examples:
1. Dividing a Proper Fraction by a Whole Number
Suppose students need to divide 3/4 of a pizza among 3 friends.
Each friend would receive 1/4 of the pizza (3/4 ÷ 3 = 1/4).
2. Dividing a Whole Number by a Proper Fraction
If there are 5 whole pizzas and each person eats 2/3 of a pizza, how many people can be served?
Dividing 5 by 2/3 gives 7.5, so 7 people can be served, with a bit left over.
3. Dividing a Proper Fraction by a Proper Fraction
To divide 1/2 by 1/4, students can use multiplication.
1/2 ÷ 1/4 = 1/2 × 4/1 = 2, so there are 2 quarters in a half.
4. Adding a Fraction
To add fractions, you need a common denominator.
Simply add the numerators once the denominators are the same.
1/4 + 2/4 = 3 /4
5. Subtracting a Fraction
To subtract fractions, you also need a common denominator.
Ensure the denominators are the same, then subtract the numerators.
5/6 – 4/6 = 1/6
6. Multiplying a Fraction
Multiplication is straightforward, just multiply the numerators and denominators directly.
3/4 x 2/5
Multiple the Numerators:
3 x 2 = 6
Multiple Denominators:
4 x 5 = 20
Final Product:
3/4 x 2/5 = 6/20
After simplification= 3/10
7. Dividing a Fraction
Use the Keep Change Flip acronym.
Keep the first fraction:
3/4 ÷ 2/5
Change the division sign to multiplication and flip the second fraction:
3/4 x 5/2
Finally, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
3 x 5
4 x 2
=15/ 8 (May convert the improper fraction to a mixed number)
Enhancing Fractions Understanding with Tuition
Mastering fractions might seem challenging but it is achievable with the right guidance and practice. Enrolling in primary school math tuition in Singapore provides students with targeted support in fractions, ensuring they grasp both theoretical concepts and practical applications effectively.
For students looking to improve their scores before the national exams, LevelUp’s PSLE maths tuition in Singapore is here to offer specialised support and resources to deepen understanding.
Contact us today to boost your child’s learning efficiency and academic performance.
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