3.2 – Solve this Problem

1/6, 2/8, 3/5, 2/3

To be successful in solving this problem, students need to conceptually understand that a fraction is a part of a whole and that the denominator does not necessarily define the size of the whole, but rather how many pieces the whole is partitioned into.

1/6; 2/8; 3/5; 2/3

As my colleague says, it is necessary for students to understand that a fraction is part of a whole and that the denominator does not necessarily define the size of the whole, but rather how many parts the whole is divided into.
That is why for them to be able to visualize this concept, I draw a rectangle of the same size and divide it according to the indicated fraction.
In this case, I draw 4 rectangles of the same size and divide each one according to the denominator of the indicated fraction. This is how they can see that 1/6 is less than 2/3, because the 2/3 rectangle is more “painted” than the 1/6 rectangle, even though both are the same size.

Understanding that a fraction is part of a whole is essential. Dividing 4 rectangles according to the denominator and shading the numerator shows the solution.