Description
Hands-On Equations Fractions
Learn how solving for the unit fraction simplifies the learning process
This Hands-On Equations Fractions program consists of two levels encompassing a total of 12 lessons. As with the original Hands-On Equations program, students represent the fractional equation on a flat laminated scale using their game pieces. Then, they use “legal moves” to solve the equations. Each lesson comes with a worksheet containing 8 problems.
Unique to the Hands-On Equations Fractions approach, students solve first for the unit fraction of the unknown. Hence, for the equation 3/2 y + 4 = 19, whose setup is illustrated above, once students determine that the red block, representing half of the unknown y, has a value of 5, they realize that the yellow block, representing the unknown y, has a value of 10. This methodology provides students with a sense-making approach to solving fractional linear equations.
See a sample lesson and worksheet from Hands-On Equations Fractions.
Each level ends with an abstract solution approach which may be presented to elementary school students as an enrichment lesson.
This Grade 6 student is using Hands-On Equations Fractions to solve the equation: y + 1/3 y + 4 = 24 + 1/2 y.
Materials needed for each student
Each student needs a copy of the lesson worksheet and the Hands-On Equations Fractions Student Kit. This kit consists of a set of 8 numbered cubes, a flat laminated scale, and a set of 33 plastic fraction blocks, and a white plastic bowl.
Apply the learning to verbal problems
Be sure to get the Hands-On Equations Fractions Verbal Problems Workbook to extend student learning to the solution of word problems. In the first lesson, they will be able to solve problems such as, “Four-thirds of a number is 12. Find the number.” Many students can solve this mentally.
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