1. (a) Explain how to use this diagram to calculate .
Fractions
N2.3 Core Starter
(a) Explain how to use this diagram to calculate
(b) Look at the two sets of fractions below.
How would each sequence continue?
Convert the fractions to decimals. What happens to the values?
Quickly investigate and jot down anything interesting you find.
Preamble
An activity suited to paired work followed by whole-class discussion. The first part should provide pupils with a visual representation for multiplication with a fraction. Some pupils may need reminding that multiplication can be seen as repeated addition. The second short investigation involves a very informal introduction to limits based on converting fractions into decimals.
Possible content
Multiplication as repeated addition, fractions of a whole, number pattern spotting, changing fractions into decimals.
Resources
Calculators (or preferably a spreadsheet) for the second part.
Solution/Notes
Supported by reference to the diagram.
The terms slowly increase, tending towards 1
The terms slowly decrease, tending towards 1
Original Material © Cambridge University Press 2009
Original Material © Cambridge University Press 2009