Operations with Fractions
Fraction arithmetic is the culmination of elementary number work. Finding a common denominator to add fractions brings together equivalence and place value thinking. Multiplying by a fraction (half of 3/4 is 3/8) surprises students — multiplying makes a result smaller. That counter-intuitive result deserves a visual explanation.
What students explore
Fraction arithmetic is the culmination of elementary number work. Finding a common denominator to add fractions brings together equivalence and place value thinking. Multiplying by a fraction (half of 3/4 is 3/8) surprises students — multiplying makes a result smaller. That counter-intuitive result deserves a visual explanation.
Key ideas
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators. Multiply a whole number by a fraction. Divide a whole number by a unit fraction. Apply fraction operations to real-world problems.
Putting it together
Apply these ideas through hands-on activities, guided practice, and real-world problems.