Decomposing Fractions Part III

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

4

Overview

This activity gives students an opportunity to explain how to decompose a fraction as a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way using equations. This activity should be used at the end of a lesson or unit on fractional decomposition. 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

After/Explain/Elaborate
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 4

MA19.4.15

Model and justify decompositions of fractions and explain addition and subtraction of fractions as joining or separating parts referring to the same whole.

UP:MA19.4.15

Vocabulary

  • Decomposition
  • Unit fraction
  • Area model
  • Length model
  • Equation
  • Mixed number
  • Visual fraction model
  • Whole
  • Sum
  • Difference
  • Recomposition

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Situation contexts for addition and subtraction problems.
  • A variety of strategies and models to represent addition and subtraction situations.
  • The fraction a/b is equivalent to the unit fraction 1/b being iterated or "copied" the number of times indicated by the numerator, a.
  • A fraction can represent a whole number or fraction greater than 1 and can be illustrated by decomposing the fraction.
    Example: 6/3 = 3/3 + 3/3 = 2 and 5/3 = 3/3 + 2/3 = 1 2/3.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Decompose fractions as a sum of unit fractions.
  • Model decomposition of fractions as a sum of unit fractions.
  • Add and subtract fractions with like denominators using properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.
  • Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction using visual models, drawings, and equations to represent the problem.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • A unit fraction (1/b) names the size of the unit with respect to the whole and that the denominator tells the number of parts the whole is partitioned, and the numerator indicates the number of parts referenced.
  • A variety of models and strategies can be used to represent and solve word situations involving addition and subtraction.
  • The operations of addition and subtraction are performed with quantities expressed in like units, and the sum or difference retains the same unit.

Learning Objectives

Students will decompose a fraction as a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way using equations.

Activity Details

Once students have investigated and explored the concept of decomposing a fraction as a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way using equations, this activity can be used to give the students an opportunity to explain their thinking and elaborate on the concept. 

Students will complete the Decomposing Fractions Assessment Activity. Allow students to complete this activity individually then share their thinking with a partner or group of students. Students should explain their reasoning. 

This activity can be used as an assessment or the teacher can lead a class discussion to allow students to share their reasoning with their classmates. 

Assessment Strategies

Student recordings on the Decomposing Fractions Assessment Activity sheet will be used as a formative or summative assessment to make sure students decompose a fraction using an equation as a representation. 

Background / Preparation

Students should have prior knowledge of decomposing a fraction as a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way using equations.

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