🎯 Goal
Stop passive reading.
Hunt for the mathematical clues hidden throughout the guide to complete each task.
All answers are hidden at the very end of the guide so you can check your work later.
Flipping Flashcards First
Flip through your flashcard set before starting and again after finishing your primer.
🔍 HUNTING ZONE A — Adding & Subtracting
The Matching Law & Vertical Rule
1. Simple Fractions (The Common Denominator Rule)
You cannot add or subtract fractions unless the denominators match.
If they don't match, multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction to create a common denominator.
Example:
🧗 Reese Scavenger Task 1 — Simple Match
Look at the problem
Question 1A
Do these denominators match?
👉 Answer: [ A ] (this connects back to your answer key at the bottom)
Action 1B
Write the common denominator your brain must create before solving.
👉 Target Denominator: [ B ]
2. Mixed Numbers (The Vertical Borrowing Rule)
When subtracting mixed numbers:
🚫 Never work sideways.
Always stack the numbers vertically.
If the top numerator is too small, borrow 1 whole from the whole number.
That one whole becomes a matching fraction such as
depending on the denominator.
🧗 Reese Scavenger Task 2 — The Mixed Borrow
Study the regrouping below.
Question 2A
Where did the extra come from? 👉 Answer [C]
Action 2B
Fill in the missing numerator.
🔍 HUNTING ZONE B — Multiplication
Straight Across & Cross-Simplifying
1. Simple Fractions (The Direct Line Rule)
Multiplication is the easiest fraction operation because you do not need common denominators.
Simply multiply:
- top × top
- bottom × bottom
Example
Before multiplying, always check diagonally to see whether you can cross-simplify.
Keeping numbers small makes the problem much easier.
🧗 Reese Scavenger Task 3 — Direct Line Check
Look at
Question 3A
Do you need a common denominator?
👉 Answer: [ E ]
Action 3B
Multiply straight across.
What is the numerator before simplifying?
👉 Top Numerator: [ F ]
2. Mixed Numbers (The Improper Mandate)
🚫 Critical Law
You may never multiply or divide while numbers are still mixed numbers.
Always convert them into improper fractions first.
Use the Circle Method:
Bottom × Whole + Top
🧗 Reese Scavenger Task 4 — The Circle Hack
Study the example
Question 4A
Look diagonally at 9 and 3.
What number can both divide by?
👉 Answer: [ G ]
Action 4B
Use the Circle Method.
Fill in the missing numerator.
🔍 HUNTING ZONE C — Division
The Reciprocal Override
You never actually divide fractions.
Instead, use Keep • Change • Flip (KCF)
- Keep the first fraction.
- Change division into multiplication.
- Flip the second fraction into its reciprocal.
🧗 Reese Scavenger Task 5 — The Override Run
Study the division problem
Question 5A
True or False:
You should first find a common denominator.
👉 Answer: [ I ]
Question 5B
According to Keep • Change • Flip,
what happens to
?
👉 Answer
It flips into its reciprocal:
[ J ]
Action 5C
Rewrite the division problem as multiplication.
🚀 STEP 2 — WATCH & WRITE 3 SENTENCE SUMMARY OF EACH
🎯 STEP 3 — INDEPENDENT CLEARANCE CHECK
Show all of your work in the spaces provided.
Do not check the Answer Vault until you have finished every question.
1. Find a Common Denominator and Solve
2. Stack and Subtract
Show the borrow step.
Final Value
3. Multiply Straight Across
Cross-simplify first!
4. Convert to an Improper Fraction
5. Execute Keep • Change • Flip
🕵️♂️ THE ANSWER VAULT
(Student Self-Check Only — Don't Peek Early!)
🔑 Scavenger Hunt Clue Key
Clue | Answer |
A | No |
B | 20 |
C | 4 |
D | 9 (because one whole becomes , then ) |
E | No |
F | 15 |
G | 3 |
H | 11 (because ) |
I | False |
J | |
K / L |
✅ Step 3 Clearance Check Key
1.
2.
3.
Cross-simplify first.
- and simplify to and
- and simplify to and
Then multiply:
4.
5.
Cross-simplify diagonally.