Fractions - What the 1/2 are they all about! - Representing Fractions

Representing Fractions

Fractions are how we represent the part of something. Fractions are used when cooking and baking. We use fractions to represent the amount of an item. We can use fractions to describe how much time has gone by. We can use fractions to represent how much of a task we have completed. We can use fractions to describe how much money we have spent or how much we have saved. There are lots of practical applications for fractions. Therefore we have to understand them to be one with them. 

Try This!

Look around your house how many many examples of fractions can you find. Write them down. 

So what do you need to know about fractions?

1. What does a fraction mean?

Fractions have two parts to them:

      2   - this is the numerator, it represents the part that you are talking about.

      4   - This is the denominator, this represents how many parts there are to make up the whole.

When looking at a fraction you have to ask yourself what is the whole and what model is being used.

2. What are the different ways can fractions be found?

There are five different ways we can find a fraction. 

Set model - a set model is a collection of objects that have something in common. 

We can use a fraction to describe what some of the objects have in common. 

five women and 3 men men 

5/8 represents women 

3/8 represents ment

Regional or area model - a regional or area model is dividing the shape into equal parts. 

Measure model - is a model that shows using a measure of something like a measuring cup, or a ruler. We can describe how much the fraction

There are also division and ratio models as well but we are not discussing those models as of yet. 

3. How do we write a fraction when looking at a model?

• Begin by determining what the whole is. Write the number that represents the whole as the denominator
• Determine what is being represented, what is shaded or missing and place that in the numerator 

Try This!

Represent these fractions using all three models (sets, area and measure models)

Is there any fraction that can't be represented by a model? Why are why not?

3/4           5/8               3/5              2/7           4/8

How are all these fractions alike? How are they different?