Mr.Backe has been explaining to us for the last couple classes that even though fractions are equal in size they are not the same. Like my first example... 2/3 is greater, less then or equal to 4/6. Lets find out shall we :) Okay first we are going to find the decimals so we can compare them to see which is bigger.
DECIMALS
To find the decimal you have to divide the numerator by the denominator.
2 divided by 3 = 0.6(repeated)
4 divided by 6 =0.6(repeated)
so according to the decimals both fractions are equivalent, but we still aren't sure so lets try it with a picture.
PICTURE
Both the decimals and the pictures tell us that the fractions are equal, but they aren't the same. lets say we had a pizza and there was a chocolate and we cut it into 3 pieces and there was only two of us. All a sudden two more people come in and want some chocolate, so we cut each of the three piece in half. Now each of the four people get 1/6. Although the same amount was eaten, they got smaller pieces.
The next Example is 1/8 and 1/4, this one I will do the picture first.
PICTURE
Now according to the pictures 1/4 is bigger then 1/8, but just to b sure lets figure out the decimal.
DECIMAL
Once again to find the decimal you have to divide the numerator by the denominator.
1 divided by 4 = 0.25
1 divided by 8 = 0.125
Now that we also found the decimal we know that 1/4 is bigger hen 1/8 because if the whole is cut into 4 the pieces will be bigger then if you cut the whole into 8 pieces.
Bravo! Bravo!
good job.
Keep up the good work.
:P
April 29, 2009 at 2:07 PM