Abstract:
There are many areas of mathematics that are difficult for students to learn. My extensive teaching experience tells me that students have difficulty finding the Least Common Denominator (LCD). For this reason many students don't like fractions and consequently don't like mathematics. In this study, we designed and tested a new method called the Ladder Method for finding LCD that can be used for subtracting and adding fractions. To evaluate effectiveness of this method and students' improvement of understanding of fractions, we designed a pre-test and a post-test. We collected and analyzed data for two groups of basic algebra students. The study group used the Ladder Method activities and the control group used the prime factorization method for finding LCD. Finally via hypothesis testing our results show that the new method significantly improves students' performance and understanding of fractions.