Fractions I: Part 1 of 2 Teacher’s Quality Grant

Benchmark MA.3.A.2.1 Represent fractions, including fractions greater than one, using area, set, and linear models. MA.3A.2.2 Describe how the size of the fractional part is related to the number of equal sized pieces in the whole.

Introduction to Fractions Consider the following rectangle. This rectangle is one whole We can divide it into equal parts:

Introduction to Fractions (cont.) Count the # of rectangles: 10 Count the # of shaded rectangles: 3

Introduction to Fractions (cont.) How can we represent the part of the rectangle that is shaded 3 out of 10, or three-tenths 3 10

Introduction to Fractions (cont.) How can we represent 7 out of 10, or seven-tenths

Introduction to Fractions (cont.) How can we represent 10 out of 10, or ten-tenths 10 One whole

Other Example

Vocabulary abab numerator denominator

Vocabulary (cont.) denominator - the number below the fraction line that represents the total number of equal parts numerator - the number above the fraction line that represents how many equal parts are described.

Equal Parts of a Whole One whole2 halves3 thirds 4 fourths6 sixths8 eights

Representation of Fractions Greater than 1 Count the # of shaded rectangles: 10 Count the # of shaded rectangles: 5

Representation of Fractions Greater than 1 (cont.) 10 shaded rectangles out 10 rectangles is the same as 10 = 1 5 shaded rectangles out 10 rectangles is the same as The fraction represented is: =

Representation of Using the Number Line =

Terminology Definitions A fraction greater than 1 has a numerator that is greater than its denominator: A mixed number is made up of a whole number and a fraction: