Mathematics
Grade 6
Computation with Whole Numbers,
Fractions, and Decimals
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Dear Parent or Guardian:
Your son or daughter is currently learning to add, subtract,
multiply, and divide whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Here is
your chance to help him or her practice this important skill.
In this PAL Packet you will find a short activity for you and your
son or daughter to do. Please do the activity and The Back Page
this evening. Then sign your name on The Back Page and have your
son or daughter return it tomorrow.
Thanks for your help.
Sincerely,
_________________________
Your son or daughter’s teacher
Grade 6 – Computation with Whole Numbers,
Fractions, and Decimals
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
1
Last printed 8/31/04
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COMPUTING WITH WHOLE NUMBERS,
FRACTIONS, AND DECIMALS
Parent Pointer —
Being able to compute using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals is a
necessary skill in everyday life. Whenever we use a recipe we are using
fractions. Often, we need to convert that recipe to make more or less
food. This is done by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing the
amounts of ingredients in the recipe, which usually are given in
fractions. Decimals are used daily in any dealings we have with money.
Math In the Home, On the Go, and For the Fun of It —
DIRECTIONS: Use the facts on the How Does it Compute? pages to
review how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and decimals
with your parent or guardian.
Read the problems on the At Home With Decimals and Fractions page
and work with your parent or guardian to find the answers. Be sure to
show how you solved the problems in the space provided or on the back
of the page.
Talk About It —
After you have finished the activity, turn to The Back Page to show
what you know.
Now go have some fun with the activity! (
Grade 6 – Computation with Whole Numbers,
Fractions, and Decimals
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
2
Last printed 8/31/04
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HOW DOES IT COMPUTE?
Fractions
Adding or subtracting fractions:
Find the least common denominator.
Adding:
1
1
1
+
+
4
3 2
1
: 4, 8, 12
4
1
1
: 3, 6, 9, 12
: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
3
2
1 1
1
The least common denominator for , , and
is 12, so you have:
4 3
2
1
3
3
1
4
4
1
6
6
3
4
6
13
1
×
=
+
×
=
+
×
=
+
+
=
=1
4
3 12 3 4 12 2 6 12
12 12 12 12
12
Subtracting:
2 2
−
3 5
2
: 3, 6 9, 12, 15
3
2
: 5, 10, 15
5
2
2
The least common denominator for
and is 15, so you have:
3
5
2 5 10
2 3
6
10 6
4
−
×
=
− ×
=
=
3 5 15 5 3 15
15 15 15
Multiplying fractions:
2 3 6
1
× =
=
3 4 12 2
Multiplying a whole number and a fraction:
1 12
1 12 6
12 ×
=
×
=
=
=6
2
1
2
2
1
Dividing fractions – invert the divisor and multiply:
1
1
1
3 3
1
÷
=
×
=
=1
2
3
2
1 2
2
Grade 6 – Computation with Whole Numbers,
Fractions, and Decimals
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
3
Last printed 8/31/04
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HOW DOES IT COMPUTE?
Decimals
Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals:
The decimal point stays in the same place when adding and subtracting.
20.32
+ 21 .42
41 .74
16.5
− 15.2
1.3
The decimal point also stays in the same place when multiplying or
dividing by a whole number. Here you can see the decimal point is
placed in between the ones and tenths places in the answers as well as
in the problems:
35.62
×
5
178.10
Grade 6 – Computation with Whole Numbers,
Fractions, and Decimals
5.11
6 30.66
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
4
Last printed 8/31/04
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AT HOME WITH DECIMALS AND FRACTIONS
1. Find at least six grocery items (vegetables, cereal, chips, milk,
etc.) in your home with weights listed as fractions. For example,
a can of soup may weigh ten and one-half ounces. List the items
and their weights on the back of this page and add the weights.
2. Ask your parent or guardian to go over a fictional family budget
with you. Find out approximately how much is spent on food, gas,
and entertainment in a week. Be sure to include cents in the
amounts (food - $56.48). Determine how much is spent on these
three items for 12 weeks.
3. Again discussing a fictional family budget, find out approximately
how much is spent on clothing, electricity, and water in a year. Be
sure to use cents in the amounts. Using the total spent in a year,
find out the average amount spent on these items in a month.
4. Ask your parent or guardian for your favorite recipe or find a
favorite recipe in a cookbook. Write it on the back of this page.
You really only want to make half the recipe, so show the amounts
of ingredients you will need if you divide the recipe in half.
Grade 6 – Computation with Whole Numbers,
Fractions, and Decimals
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
5
Last printed 8/31/04
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The Back Page
Talk About It
Parent —
Ask your son or daughter the following questions:
9How do you divide fractions?
9How do you multiply decimals?
Student —
Answer the above questions in complete sentences at the
bottom of this page.
OR
Do one of the following activities (use the back side of
this page if needed):
9Have your parent or guardian give you a fraction to
add, subtract, multiply, and divide by 3 .
4
9Find some grocery receipts and add up their amounts.
__________________________ __________________________
Student’s Name
Parent or Guardian’s Signature
Grade 6 – Computation with Whole Numbers,
Fractions, and Decimals
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
6
Last printed 8/31/04