This activity uses an area model to examine differences in the size of unit squares. Student investigation of the model leads to the understanding that fractions make sense only in reference to a particular scale or unit. Students consider how one half of a unit square can represent different areas depending on the size of the unit square.

This TI-Nspire lesson uses an area model to examine differences in the size of unit squares. Student investigation of the model leads to the understanding that fractions make sense only in reference to a particular scale or unit. Students consider how one half of a unit square can represent different areas depending on the size of the unit square. Building on the activity Fractions and Unit Squares, students investigate fractions of shapes where the unit is not a unit square (e.g., the “unit” is one fourth of a fraction).

Students should be familiar with Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators and Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators.

This is Lesson 14 out of 15 in the Building Concepts in Mathematics: Fractions Series.

Standards