Little Ming and Little Fung have homework to do before being allowed out into the yard to help the workmen.
Little Ming: Mai Ling, why have fractions been invented? Why are they so complicated to work out?
Little Fung: I am sure it is not just us that can't fathom out how to use fractions
LM: Are decimals just as bad?
LF: All this turn upside and multiply.. just what does it all mean?
LM: Anyway, what are common denominators?
LF: Yes, answer that! By the way what are equivalent fractions?
LM: All I can remember is that - what you do to the top you must do to the bottom.
Mai Ling: NO! Numerators and denominators - you must know what they are?
LM: I have been told but it is somewhat hazy - denominator er, er, the bottom number right?
LF: Hence, top number is the numerator.
ML: Now if you multiply or divide the top number by another number you must do the same to the denominator.
LM: Does it matter if you do it to the bottom number first?
LF: Does that apply to adding and taking a number from the numerator or denominator?
ML: NO! NO! NO! You pair sound so confused and are confusing me.
LM: Perhaps we should start again at the very beginning.
LF: What are fractions?
LM: Go on, answer that Mai Ling.
ML: They are part of a whole.
ML: If something is divided into equal parts, one or more of these parts are called fractions.
LF: You mean like a half or two thirds or three twentyfifths
ML: Yes now that is one type of fraction!
LM: Oh no you mean there are more types...
ML: There are vulgar fractions, proper fraction, improper fractions, top heavy fractions, compound fractions......
LM: You are teasing us. Be serious.
ML: No, I am not, and you need to be able to work with them all.
LF: But not this afternoon, when we should be out in sun helping in the yard.
ML: Ask Chi Wing about fractions - he might be able to tell you how fractions can be written as decimals or ratios.
LM: No, no I have had enough for today....
ML: Or ask Granma T. She might tell you about numbers less than...
LF: No, NO. Sorry. I have had enough for today.
LM: Me too Mai Ling, let's finish this tomorrow when we have no school and our heads aren't buzzing!