This math unit begins with teaching students prime factorization using factor trees, gradually advancing their skills in breaking down numbers into four and then three factors. The unit progresses into applications of these factorization skills, specifically focusing on simplifying fractions. Initially, students practice converting composite fractions to their simplest forms by canceling common factors. As their understanding deepens, they apply factorization to simplify multiplication and division of fractions, a step that involves more complex and comprehensive manipulations of fractional expressions using factoring techniques. Further into the unit, the emphasis shifts toward analytical skills involving factor comparison. Students compare factored numbers, analyzing expressions with exponents to determine relational values using comparison operators. These tasks reinforce their understanding of multiplication, division, exponents, and deepen their comparative reasoning skills with multiplicative expressions. Towards the end, learners engage in identifying large numbers factored into three components, demonstrating an understanding of number decomposition and exponent manipulation, necessary for advanced arithmetic and algebraic functions.
Test your mastery by completing 20 questions!
Use factorization to simplify