1. Adding and subtracting fractions
[N2.2 Core Plenary]
Here are four sequences whose terms are all fractions.
Investigate each one, jot down anything interesting you find.
Is the sequence increasing?
Is the sequence getting close to a particular number?
Preamble
These four number investigations involve adding and subtracting fractions in the context of sequences involving fractions. They will give children the chance to practice their fraction skills in the context of an investigation. As always, pupils need to be given the opportunity to communicate their findings – either verbally or as a written report, in the course of which the vocabulary of fractions can used.
Possible content
Addition and subtraction of fractions, simplifying fractions, sequences, making and testing conjectures at an informal level.
Resources
None.
Solution/Notes
Here are some relevant observations. Children might come up with others which are equally valid. (1) increasing, with difference in terms (1 / product of the two denominators which themselves form a sequence). (2) all terms take the same value 1/3. (3) terms decrease in size (4) all terms take the same value 1/3.
What is the difference between terms?
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Original Material © Cambridge University Press 2010
Original Material © Cambridge University Press 2010