Unit 6, Lesson 5-- Fractions are Parts of a Whole

Lesson 5-- Fractions are Parts of a Whole

Introduction

Hello Mathematicians! Today we will explore how fractions show parts of a whole.

Anna baked a pan of brownies.  If this is a 1 sixth slice of the pan of brownies, what could the whole pan have looked like?  Jot down your thoughts in your math notebook.

Brown square, representing a brownie slice. Labeled 1/6.

Video

Interactive

Part 1 Directions:

  • In today's math lab, you will explore different ways to show parts of a whole.
    • Open the Fractions: Intro Lab.  Experiment with building some fractions of your choice.
    • Use the yellow arrows to change the numerator and denominator of the fraction you are building.  (Leave the "max" arrow at the top at 1.  This is the number of wholes you are partitioning.  For now, work with just 1 whole.)
    • Change the model type at the top of the interactive (pie/ circle model; bar models; cylinder model; cake model; line/ ruler model).
    • What do you notice?

Part 2 Directions:

  • Draw the chart below in your journal.
  • Each row of the chart contains various representations of the same fraction, but some are missing for you to fill in.  
  • For example, the first row shows you the number 2/6.  Your job is to fill out the missing fraction word form, a pie model, a bar model, and a model of your choice.
  • Use the Phet interactive to help you build and draw the models.

Or you can print a copy using this link:  Fractions are Part of a Whole Chart Download Fractions are Part of a Whole Chart

In Your Math Notebook

Let’s get out our math notebook and  work through the following application problem. Make sure you read the problem carefully, draw a picture to match your thinking and write an answer with numbers and words.

Read, Draw, Write, DONE!

R (Read the problem carefully.)

You brought a sandwich to camp to eat for lunch.  You decide to eat half of the sandwich.  Two of your friends want to share the other half.  What fraction of the sandwich would they each get?

D (Draw a picture.)

W (Write an answer with numbers and words.)

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