Addition or subtraction of fractions.
For this discussion , write a word problem that requires either addition or subtraction of fractions. Then, provide a strategy you think students may use in solving the problem. Describe the strategy and how this strategy would help students solve the word problem.
Sample Answer
Word Problem: Baking Cookies!
Sarah is baking cookies for a party. She needs 2 1/3 cups of flour for the recipe. She already has 3/4 cup of flour in her pantry. How much more flour does she need to buy?
Strategy: Visualizing and Separating
This problem involves subtraction of fractions. Here’s a strategy students can use to solve it:
- Imagine the flour: Visualize 2 1/3 cups of flour as two wholes and one third of another whole. Imagine the 3/4 cup of flour Sarah already has.
- Separate and subtract: Think about how much flour Sarah needs to add to reach the recipe’s requirement. She can start by taking away the 3/4 cup she already has from the 2 wholes (representing 2 cups).