Fractions Visualizer Simulation

A fraction says how big a part is compared with a whole: the bottom number is how many equal pieces the whole is cut into, and the top number is how many of them you have. Because it is a size, two fractions can be compared by looking at how far each reaches along the same number line, and two different-looking fractions such as 1/2 and 2/4 can be exactly the same amount, cut into different numbers of pieces. Adding fractions follows from the same idea: pieces of different sizes cannot be counted together, so both fractions are first cut into pieces of one common size (a common denominator), and only then are the tops added. Students can change a: pieces in one whole and a: pieces shaded and compare what happens. Use it for math inquiry with Grades 2–5 and Middle School on a projector or student device.

Standards: Common Core CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.2, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NF.A.1, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NF.A.2, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.A.1

• Make A = 1/2 and B = 2/4 and see why they land on exactly the same spot of the number line
• Pick the equivalent question and slide k up to see 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6 = 4/8 with the same slice of the whole
• Compare 3/4 and 2/3 and find which is bigger, then check it with the same-size pieces
• Add 1/2 and 1/3 and watch both be cut into sixths before they are added to make 5/6
• Make a sum bigger than 1 and read it as a mixed number
• Switch between bars, pies and the number line and find what stays the same

1. 1Predict how changing a: pieces in one whole will affect the a as a decimal, then test the prediction.
2. 2Use evidence from the interactive visual to explain the result.

Questions teachers ask