Story Behind The Song

Song evolved over a period of time, polishing it up as I introducted it to students.

Song Description

Song about how to add fractions.

Lyrics

ADDING FRACTIONS RAP c. 1997 words and music by
Antionette B. Kimball
10 Never Bend Drive
Ocala, FL 34482
phone 352-861-4934
akimball2@cfl.rr.com
abkrpm@hotmail.com

I have this wacky teacher who tries to teach me math.
She makes the numbers bigger or cuts them right in half.
She says when we must add these numbers we call fractions,
Look at the denominators to see if there?s any action.

If the denominators are the same
then add the tops, yes, add the tops,
But keep the bottoms the same, the same.
That?s the name of this adding fractions game.

You can add; Yes, you can add;
But what you add is only the tops.
And it?s right there that you should stop,
And leave the bottoms the same, the same.

Yes, add the numerators but stop right there.
Denominators stay the same as they were.
Denominators stay the same, the same,
That?s the name of this adding fractions game.

If denominators are not the same,
Forget this game. What a shame!!
Nothing can be added; Don?t even try.
Nothing will be right and I?ll tell you why.

When you are adding things must be alike.
All you do is count the things in sight.
Bananas are bananas, and pears will still be pears.
Just because you add them won?t mean they will change.
Wouldn?t that be something really strange?

So when denominators are not the same,
The thing you really need to do
Is make the bottoms the same, the same
To get right back into the game.

Deliberately on purpose you can make it right.
Just make equivalent fractions without a fight.
When you?ve made the bottoms look just alike
Add the new numerators now and then make sure
You keep the new denominators just as they are.

Fix the fraction, now, if you really must.
Check it for reducing or change it from improper.
You will be just like an adding fractions doctor!
Add up all the whole numbers now
And you?ve won this adding fractions game,
Wow, Wow, Wow!!!!