Modeling Adding & Subtracting Fractions
Teaching math concepts using various models is key to building flexible math
thinking in our students. There are many different fractions models that could
and should be used such as
Fraction bars
Cuisenaire rods
Pattern Blocks
Area models
Number Lines
Set Models
Task #: Modeling fraction addition and subtraction with Cuisenaire rods and
pattern blocks.
Below are different fraction equations. Model each equation twice ~ once using
Cuisenaire rods and again using pattern blocks. It is imperative that you first
identify what represents your unitwhole You should get the same answer using
each model.
Problem A:
Problem B:
Problem C:
Task #: Modeling fraction addition and subtraction using other models
Demonstrate how to model problem A and problem C using a number line. Each tick
mark on your number line should be equally spaced and the interval space in
between marks must be equivalent.
Task #: Solving application problems of addition and subtraction
Solve each word problem. Use a model your choice to justify each answer.
A cornbread recipe calls for
cup of milk. Rachel used the last
cup of milk in
one carton. She opens another carton and pours the remaining amount needed.
How much milk does Rachel use from the newly opened carton?
Emilio rides
mile from his house to his friend Jakes house. Together they
ride
miles to school. How far does Emilio ride to school that day?
Jordan drives by Marks house on his way home from school every day. The
school is
of a mile from Jordans house and Marks house is
a mile from
the school. How far is Jordans house from Marks
An elephant can drink all the water from a reservoir in days.
The rhinoceros can drink all the water from the same reservoir in days, if
drinks alone. How long will it take to empty the reservoir, if the elephant and
the rhinoceros drink together? Hint: pattern blocks
of a flagpole is painted red. of it is painted blue. Three feet of
the pole is painted green. What is the height of the flag pole?
Jill ran around of the track. Josh ran around of the track. How much
farther did Josh run than Jill?
Write a story problem that would be solved by subtracting