Online Fraction Investigation

Due: Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

There are two websites for you to visit in this assignment. The first shows a way to represent multiplication of fractions as overlapping area models. The second website includes a fraction game that I'd like you to learn and improve at. Both websites require Java (test your browser).

Questions? joseph.champion@unco.edu

Web Task #1: Multiplication of Fractions

1. Go to the Multiplications of Fraction Applet. Get a piece of paper to write down your solutions..
2. Use the Applet to show the following products (Note: the last one uses improper fractions):
   • (1/2) x (3/5)
   • (3/4) x (1/3)
   • (7/3) x (6/5)
3. On a piece of paper, draw the meaning of (2/3) x (3/4). What is the "trick" for computing the product? Why does it work?
4. Switch the Applet to "Test Me" mode and do three problems. Draw your solution to the third problem on your paper.
5. How could you use the model of fraction multiplication in the Applet to explain the meaning of (1/2) x (2/3) x (3/4)? Include at least one drawing as part of your explanation.

Web Task #2: The Fraction Card Game

How to play the Fraction Card Game:

• The purpose of the game is to move all the little red markers to 1.
• Click on the pink deck of cards to get a new card.
• Spread the value of the card to one or more of the markers. You don't need to use all of the fraction on the card when you're moving the red markers, but you can't exceed the value of the card.
• When you can't move any more markers, click on the deck for another fraction card.

1. Go to the Fraction Card Game Applet. Turn on the sound if you're feeling a little goofy.
2. Play the game (see the instructions if you're confused). When you've played 7 cards, draw (or print) your place in the game and write down your moves for the next card.
3. Record the number of cards you had to play in order to finish the first game. Then play the game 3 more times, always trying to use less cards each round. Record the number of cards you use to complete each round of the game.
4. Write a few sentences about what you learned by playing the game 4 times. Did you notice any strategies that helped you complete the game faster?
5. Do you think you'd get better by playing the game 10 times? Why or why not?
6. What do you think is the purpose of the Fraction Card Game? What do you think the creators would like students to learn by playing the game.