What should students know about fractions?

It all comes down to three concepts: numerators, denominators, and fraction notation. Of course, there is more to know about fractions than this. But these concepts provide the foundation. Once students have mastered these basics, they realize that fractions aren't magic.

What should I know about fractions?

A fraction has two parts. The number on the top of the line is called the numerator. It tells how many equal parts of the whole or collection are taken. The number below the line is called the denominator.

How do you introduce fractions to students?

How can I help my child understand fractions?

Why is it important to learn fractions?

Proficiency with fractions is an important foundation for learning more advanced mathematics. Fractions are a student's first introduction to abstraction in mathematics and, as such, provide the best introduction to algebra in the elementary and middle school years.

Fractions for Kids

Why are fractions difficult for students?

A major reason is that learning fractions requires overcoming two types of difficulty: inherent and culturally contingent. Inherent sources of difficulty are those that derive from the nature of fractions, ones that confront all learners in all places. One inherent difficulty is the notation used to express fractions.

Why is it important to learn fractions for kids?

Fractions help children understand the nature of numbers and their interactions (e.g., the meaning of division). If a child doesn't understand how fractions work, it will interfere with his ability to learn algebra later.

How do you use fractions in real life?

Fractions are used in baking to tell how much of an ingredient to use. Fractions are used in telling time; each minute is a fraction of the hour. Finally, fractions are used to determine discounts when there's a sale going on.

What are your struggles in solving fractions?

One reason students struggle with fraction operations is that fractions are just less intuitive than whole numbers. Students constantly add and subtract whole numbers in their everyday lives, even without realizing it. On occasion, they even multiply and divide.

What are two big ideas in the learning of fractions?

Critical Fraction Concepts for Understanding

A fraction has a numerator and a denominator. The denominator tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into and the numerator tells how many parts there are. Fractions can mean different things: part of a set, part of a region, as a measure, division & as a ratio.

What is a fraction for kids?

A fraction is a part of a whole number, and a way to split up a number into equal parts. It is written as the number of equal parts being counted, called the numerator, over the number of parts in the whole, called the denominator.

How do you teach fractions step by step?

What are the 5 constructs of fractions?

The most frequently mentioned factors contributing to the complexity is fractions having five interrelated constructs: part-whole, ratio, operator, quotient, and measure.

What is a common mistake when using fractions?

Students often fail to convert fractions to a common, equivalent denominator before adding or subtracting them, and instead just use the larger of the 2 denominators in the answer (e.g., 4/5 + 4/10=8/10).

What is conceptual understanding fractions?

Conceptual understanding of equivalent fractions involves more than remembering a fact or applying a procedure. It is based on an intricate relationship between declarative and procedural knowledge; between fraction interpretation and representation.

What is a common mistake many students make when dividing by fractions?

Students may have difficulty simplifying fractions because of a shaky understanding of division. Students often order fractions incorrectly and cannot place them on a number line. They cannot easily count fractions the way they count whole numbers (1,2,3,4…).

What are the common misconceptions in adding and subtracting fractions?

Basic Fractions

A common misconception in adding or subtracting fractions is pupils treating the numerators and denominators as whole numbers so end up adding or subtracting the denominators as well (see above illustration 1 - misconception).