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Guide and features
Guide and features
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Featured Early Years Foundation Stage; US Kindergarten
Featured UK Key Stage 1&2; US Grades 1-4
Featured UK Key Stage 3-5; US Grades 5-12
Featured UK Key Stage 1, US Grade 1 & 2
Featured UK Key Stage 2; US Grade 3 & 4
Featured UK Key Stages 3 & 4; US Grade 5-10
Featured UK Key Stage 4 & 5; US Grade 11 & 12
Excel Interactive Resource: Fraction Addition & Fraction Subtraction
Stage: 3 and 4
Please note the Excel files in this section use the
LCM & GCD functions
which require Analysis ToolPak to have been installed as part of Excel.
The Excel files
could be used simply to demonstrate and explain addition and subtraction of fractions, however, practice and reinforcement can frequently be accomplished successfully, and abler pupils better motivated, if an approach of differentiation by challenge is adopted. This means that the same resource is used with all children but the challenge is varied for children at different stages of understanding.
A suitable challenge for pupils who were becoming secure with the basic concept of addition or subtraction of fractions would be:
Find two fractions that add up to 5/6 , which are not sixths, or add up to 9/10, but not tenths, etc.
With children in pairs, each pupil can then invent similar puzzles for their partner.
What about adds up to 7/15 but not fifteenths? Explore what can and can't be done and why.
Create similar challenges for subtraction.
Meet the team
The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities can be found here.
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NRICH is part of the family of activities in the
Millennium Mathematics Project