Fraction Models

GRADE:

STANDARDS:

Explore different

MATH CONTENT:

3-5, 6-8

representations for

Number and Operations

fractions including

improper fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and percentages. Additionally, there are length, area, region, and set models.
Adjust numerators and denominators to see how they alter the representations and models. Use the table to keep track of interesting fractions.
Activity

Instructions

Exploration

Narrow Range

Limited

33

Numerator

10

Frac. Mixed

8.25

30

40

50

60

Dec.

Per.

825%

80

70

90

100

Length

33
Denominator

Print All

Wide Range

20

Related Resources

Adjust the value of the numerator and denominator by moving the slider or using the + or on either side of the sliders or entering the values directly in the boxes.
Change the possible denominator values using the Narrow Range, Limited, and Wide Range tabs at the top.
You can also change values on the model. Click on sections to add or remove them or use or click + or at the bottom of the model space to add or remove whole
units. Note: The squares button at the bottom left of the model space shows or hides the sections. To add or remove sections, they must be shown.
Choose Length, Area, Region, or Set on the bottom right to show different representations of the fractions. Set also lets you choose the objects.
Record fractions to the table using the + button above the table. Click individual entries to bring up the model in the model space. Move entries by selecting them and
clicking below in the empty table space. Delete entries using the button above the table. Delete all entries using the button.

Adjust the numerator and denominator at the bottom to change the fraction. What is the result? How does the result relate to the values shown for mixed number,
decimal, and percent?
When the numerator is greater than the denominator, what do you notice? What does the picture look like if the numerator is greater than the denominator? What if the
numerator is less than the denominator?
Using the set model, start with the fraction 7/4. Add the fraction to the table. What is the decimal equivalent? Change the denominator to 8 and add and remove
sections until the decimal is the same as it was for 7/4. Add this result to the table. Try to find 3 more fractions equivalent to 7/4 and record these to the table. What do
you notice about the values in the table? Change to the length model and look at each fraction's model. What do you notice?

A Meter of Candy