Adding/Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators of Proper Fractions
Aim of Applet
This applet illustrate the addition and subtraction of proper fractions of different denominators.
The need to make up equivalent fractions with same denominators before we can add the numerators and get the resulting fraction is visually demonstrated.
The resulting fraction may also need to be reduced to the lowest term where necessary
Prior knowledge of pupils
1 Pupils know the terms fraction, proper fractions, improper fractions, whole and mixed numbers
2. Pupils know addition and subtraction of whole numbers and proper fractions of same denominator
3. Pupils know idea of equivalent fractions
4. Pupils may or may not know the idea of lowest common multiple, but are be able to grasp the visual idea of having fraction parts of the same size and hence the concept of equivalent fractions of the same/common denominator
Questions for Learner :
1. How do we add two fractions of the same/common denominator ?
2. Explain the idea of equivalent fractions
3. How do we add two fractions with different denominators ?
4. How do we find the "right" number of parts to split, so that the parts
in both fractions are of the same size ? (From this we get
the same/common denominator for both fractions)