4.NF.3

Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #1976
    leighsure
    Participant

    The intro to the Standard states: “Understand a fraction a/b with a > 1 as a sum of  fractions 1/b.” I had some trouble understanding what the intent was here, until I put it to myself this way: “… as a sum of unit fractions equal to 1/b.” Still, I felt that this was not precise enough.
    Finally, I realized that what was missing was the indication that a and b have to be whole numbers greater than one. Now, I realize that most 4th graders are going to think only of whole numbers, but with the CCSS trying to build understanding from the earliest age that can handle the concepts, I think that this needs to be a specific, clearly delineated way to introduce unit fractions as building blocks.

    #1983
    Bill McCallum
    Keymaster

    Yes, it’s certainly true that they need to be whole numbers. Not necessarily greater than one, but certainly greater than zero.

Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.