Recently in 3V we have been learning all about fractions. Today, we consolidated our learning all about equivalence in fractions: understanding that you can make fractions equivalent to one half, one quarter and one third in a variety of different ways.
We began by looking at a fractions wall to find as many different equivalent fractions as we could. We noticed that, where fractions were equivalent to half, the top number (numerator) will be half the bottom number (denominator). With thirds, the denominator is three times the numerator, and with fractions equivalent to a quarter, it will be four times. Once we had spotted this pattern, it was easy to think of lots of different equivalents!
We then began to compare fractions: would you rather have one third of a cake or a quarter? Would you prefer a fifth or a tenth? Which fraction will give you the biggest piece of cake?
There was only one way to find out...
By slicing up real cakes, and comparing the sizes of the slices, we were able to devise our own theory and test it: the smaller the denominator (the number of slices), the larger the fraction (individual slice). So cutting a cake into 4 equal slices will give bigger slices than if you cut the same cake into 6 equal slices, and so on.
Once we had tested our theory and proved it was true, there was only one thing to do with all that cake...
Teresa loved this maths lesson!!
ReplyDeleteTeaching fractions through the medium of cake is the only way forward as far as I am concerned! I'm glad she enjoyed it :)
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