Upper Primary Mathematics Fractions - Commonwealth of Learning

Reflection
Which model do pupils find difficult to use—area model, set model, or length
model? Why?
Consolidation Activities
After giving pupils enough practice, you can use games or puzzles to
consolidate the concept they are learning. For instance, after addition of
common fractions using the abstract approach, you can use the puzzle
“Fraction Spokes”.
Unit Activity 3
Investigative Approach
Fraction spokes
1 1
1. Place fractions , ,
6 3
to the same number.
1 2 5
2
, ,
3 6
in the circles so that each diagonal adds
Figure 2.7: Fraction spokes
• What procedure did you see?
• What mathematical concept is involved in this puzzle?
• Is there a relationship between the number of circles and the highest
denominator?
2. Make a similar new puzzle. See if you can devise variations and
extensions to the puzzle.
Optional Activities
1. A unit fraction can be written as the sum of two unit fractions. Study the
following examples and try to discover a general pattern.
1 1 1
= +
4 5 20
1 1 1
= +
6 7 42
1 1 1
2
= +
3 6
Continues on next page
Module 2: Unit 2 20 Addition and Subtraction of Common Fractions