2. Decompose means to break the numbers apart.
What does decompose mean?
This can be demonstrated with numbers and fraction models.

3. The number 4 can be decomposed in various ways.
Step-by-Step
Only the numerator will be decomposed.
The number 4 can be decomposed in various ways.
Look
at the fraction.
1 + 3 or
2 + 2 or
Decompose the fraction the same way.
4 5

4. The number 3 can be decomposed in different ways.
Step-by-Step
Only the numerator will be decomposed.
The number 3 can be decomposed in different ways.
Let’s try another one.
1 +2 or
Decompose the fraction the same way.
3 8

5. 2 3 4 Step-by-Step 1 4 + 2 4 1 4 + 1 4 + 1 4 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1
In a mixed number, both the whole number and the numerator can be decomposed.
Let’s try a mixed number.
The whole number 2 can be decomposed as:
1 + 1
The numerator can be decomposed in a variety of ways: 2
3 4
1 + 2 or

6. Decompose using numbers and pictures.
Work with a partner. 4
3 4
7 5
6 8

7. Show what you have learned! Decompose using numbers and pictures.
Do these all by yourself. 3
2 3
7 2
3 6