Day 01 - Introduction to the Factor-Label Method

Today we're going to introduce a new way of writing fractions that we will multiply together. Instead of drawing them out as individual fractions, we're going to build a table in which the horizontal line represents the fractional line separating the numerator (all numbers on the top of the fraction) from the denominator (all numbers on the bottom of the fraction), and the vertical lines will each represent the mathematical operator "times," meaning that you will multiply each table cell by the cell to the right of it. This will make more sense once I demonstrate it.

For a great online tutorial (which requires Flash, sadly, and will not work on all browsers/computers), you should check out Mr. Jones' Website, which has handy interactive tools for learning the Factor-Label Method.

In class, we will start by doing Worksheet 4A. Complete this by the end of the bell; feel free to work in groups to help one another out, but be aware that the problems are going to get more complicated as the week progresses, so each one of you needs to build familiarity and skill with this method!