This is a level 4 number activity from the Figure It Out series. It relates to Stage 7 of the Number Framework.
A PDF of the student activity is included.
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convert fractions to decimals
A calculator
In this activity, students will learn to use a calculator to convert fractions to decimals. They will also explore fractions equivalent to 1.
Make sure that students understand that 0.5 = 5/10 = 1/2 and that 0.75 = 75/100 = 3/4. Although question 3 is based on the use of whole numbers from 1 to 10, students could explore the basic structure of tenths, hundredths, and thousandths to give them a correct sequence. For example, 1.75 = 175/100 = 7/4 = 13/4.
Have students prove their answers on a calculator.
Question 4 highlights how important it is that students understand equivalent fractions of one whole. An example would be a pie chart divided into thirds. Help students to understand that 2/3 means two of the parts that make one whole and 3/3 means three of the three parts that make one whole, so 3/3 is the same as one.
Answers to Activity
1. 0.5
2. 0.75
3. a. 1 ÷ 10 =
b. 1 ÷ 4 = or 2 ÷ 8 =
c. 8 ÷ 10 = or 4 ÷ 5 =
d. 1 ÷ 3 = or 2 ÷ 6 =
e. 3 ÷ 2 = or 6 ÷ 4 =
f. 5 ÷ 8 =
g. 2 ÷ 3 = or 4 ÷ 6 =
h. 7 ÷ 4 =
i. 3 ÷ 8 =
j. 1 ÷ 6 =
4. a. All the fractions equal 1.
b. The top number is the same as the bottom number. A number divided by itself gives 1.