Math Mammoth Fractions 1

Math Mammoth Fractions 1 is the first book of two that cover all aspects of fraction arithmetic. This book covers the concepts of fraction and mixed number, equivalent fractions, adding and subtracting like and unlike fractions, adding and subtracting mixed numbers, comparing fractions, and measuring in inches. The book Math Mammoth Fractions 2 covers the rest of fraction arithmetic: simplifying fractions and multiplication and division of fractions.

Studying fractions involves lots of rules, and many students learn them only mechanically, not really understanding the underlying concepts and principles. Students then end up making lots of mistakes because they confuse the different rules, and either apply the wrong one or apply the right rule but don’t remember it quite right. All this can make students even fear fractions.

To avoid that, we use the visual model of a pie divided into slices all the way through the book. It is a natural model because a circle can be divided into any number of circle sectors (slices). When students work with this model from lesson to lesson, they will eventually start seeing these pies in their mind. This, in turn, gives them the ability to do many of the easier fraction calculations mentally. It also enables students to really UNDERSTAND these concepts, and not just learn mechanical rules.

You are welcome to use manipulatives along with the book; however the visual pie model is probably sufficient for most students in the fifth grade level. I have also included (in the appendix) printable cut-outs for fractions from halves to twelfths.

This workbook is most suitable for 5th grade. However, it is not tied to any grade level and does not mention anything about grade levels (except in the introduction), and so it can be used in various settings. It is also very good for remedial teaching or for students with learning challenges because of its heavy usage of visual models.

The answers are appended.