Examples



Clarifications
Clarification 1: Denominators are limited to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 100.Related Courses
Related Access Points
Related Resources
Formative Assessment
Image/Photograph
Lesson Plans
Original Student Tutorial
Problem-Solving Tasks
Virtual Manipulative
MFAS Formative Assessments
Students are asked to use a visual fraction model to decompose three-fifths in two different ways.
Original Student Tutorials Mathematics - Grades K-5
Learn how to decompose a fraction into a sum of fractions with common denominators with this interactive tutorial.
Student Resources
Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to decompose a fraction into a sum of fractions with common denominators with this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Problem-Solving Tasks
This task is a straightforward task related to adding fractions with the same denominator. The main purpose is to emphasize that there are many ways to decompose a fraction as a sum of fractions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The purpose of this task is for students to show they understand the connection between fraction and decimal notation by writing the same numbers both ways. Comparing and contrasting the two solutions shown below shows why decimal notation can be confusing. The first solution shows the briefest way to represent each number, and the second solution makes all the zeros explicit.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The purpose of this task is to help students understand and articulate the reasons for the steps in the usual algorithm for converting a mixed number into an equivalent fraction. Step two shows that the algorithm is merely a shortcut for finding a common denominator between two fractions. This concept is an important precursor to adding mixed numbers and fractions with like denominators and as such, step two should be a point of emphasis. This task is appropriate for either instruction or formative assessment.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Virtual Manipulative
This virtual manipulative allows individual students to work with fraction relationships. (There is also a link to a two-player version.)
Type: Virtual Manipulative
Parent Resources
Image/Photograph
Illustrations that can be used for teaching and demonstrating fractions. Fractional representations are modeled in wedges of circles ("pieces of pie") and parts of polygons. There are also clipart images of numerical fractions, both proper and improper, from halves to twelfths. Fraction charts and fraction strips found in this collection can be used as manipulatives and are ready to print for classroom use.
Type: Image/Photograph
Problem-Solving Tasks
This task is a straightforward task related to adding fractions with the same denominator. The main purpose is to emphasize that there are many ways to decompose a fraction as a sum of fractions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The purpose of this task is for students to show they understand the connection between fraction and decimal notation by writing the same numbers both ways. Comparing and contrasting the two solutions shown below shows why decimal notation can be confusing. The first solution shows the briefest way to represent each number, and the second solution makes all the zeros explicit.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The purpose of this task is to help students understand and articulate the reasons for the steps in the usual algorithm for converting a mixed number into an equivalent fraction. Step two shows that the algorithm is merely a shortcut for finding a common denominator between two fractions. This concept is an important precursor to adding mixed numbers and fractions with like denominators and as such, step two should be a point of emphasis. This task is appropriate for either instruction or formative assessment.
Type: Problem-Solving Task