Number Sense and Operations - 6th Grade
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Number Sense and Operations -7th Grade
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Algebra - 6th Grade
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Algebra - 7th Grade
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Geometry - 6th Grade
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Geometry - 7th Grade
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Measurement - 6th Grade
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Measurement - 7th Grade
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Statistics and Probability - 6th Grade
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Statistics and Probability - 7th Grade
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The Pattern of Halves
Half is the easiset fraction to understand, and the pattern of halves introduce the concept of dividing numbers into halves. This pattern can help students understand the concept of fractions in general. Ask students to write the numbers 1 to 10 down a page and to write the halves of the even numbers. Then help the students to see that halves of the odd numbers are halfway between the halves of the even numbers. When they understand that halves are between the whole numbers, have them write the halves to complete the pattern of halves:
Half is the easiset fraction to understand, and the pattern of halves introduce the concept of dividing numbers into halves. This pattern can help students understand the concept of fractions in general. Ask students to write the numbers 1 to 10 down a page and to write the halves of the even numbers. Then help the students to see that halves of the odd numbers are halfway between the halves of the even numbers. When they understand that halves are between the whole numbers, have them write the halves to complete the pattern of halves:
pattern_halves.doc | |
File Size: | 52 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Next, teach that 1/2 can be written as 0.5 and 1 1/2 can be written as 1.5. Students can practice creating the pattern of halves using both fractions and decimals until they do it with ease. Eventually many students can mentally recall the pattern of halves. When students have mastered this pattern, show them the pattern also exists in large numbers :
even_num.doc | |
File Size: | 61 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Using the Pattern of Halves
Students can be taught to use the pattern of halves when they reduce fractions. Have them look for even numbers in fractions. When they find an even number in the numerator and denominator, they can easily cut each number in half using the pattern of halves.
Students can be taught to use the pattern of halves when they reduce fractions. Have them look for even numbers in fractions. When they find an even number in the numerator and denominator, they can easily cut each number in half using the pattern of halves.