Fractions (part I)

AUTHORS

Carlos Pereira dos Santos | cmfsantos@fc.ul.pt | University of Lisbon

Ricardo Cunha Teixeira | ricardo.ec.teixeira@uac.pt | NICA-UAc & FCT-UAc

SUMMARY

The topic of fractions is probably the most delicate subject when it comes to teaching early mathematics. Because they have multiple applications, contexts and meanings, fractions require highly specialized and careful teaching. The concept of fractions must be carefully modeled, conceptual nodes must be phased and organized over the years, and the abstract/concrete nature of examples and activities must be balanced. Much has been tested, theorized and written about this topic. This work consists of an extensive summary of the teaching of fractions, documented in specialized literature and illustrated through concrete examples taken from textbooks. Singapore Math, one of the most highly rated teaching methods in the world.

Note: This article contains animated images. Download the file and open it with a recent version of Acrobat.

KEYWORDS

fractions; equivalent fractions; arithmetic operations; rational numbers; Singapore Math

RELEVANT DATES

Published: 2015/12/22