Lesson Script: Addition of Fractions
Duration: 30 Minutes
Objective
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to add fractions with like and unlike denominators efficiently and accurately.
Introduction (5 minutes)
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Welcome and Overview
- Greet the students warmly.
- Briefly explain the importance of mastering addition of fractions for real-life applications such as cooking, construction, and finance.
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Learning Outcomes
- Understand the concept of fractions.
- Add fractions with the same denominator.
- Add fractions with different denominators using the least common multiple (LCM).
What is a Fraction? (5 minutes)
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Definition of a Fraction
- A fraction represents a part of a whole. It has two components:
- The numerator (the top number), which indicates how many parts we have.
- The denominator (the bottom number), which indicates how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
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Examples
- Display several fractions, such as ( \frac{1}{2} ), ( \frac{3}{4} ), and ( \frac{5}{8} ).
- Discuss practical examples, like sharing a pizza or dividing a chocolate bar.
Adding Fractions with Like Denominators (5 minutes)
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Explanation
- When adding fractions with the same denominator, you simply add the numerators and keep the denominator the same.
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Formula
- If ( \frac{a}{c} + \frac{b}{c} = \frac{a + b}{c} )
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Example Problem
- Add ( \frac{2}{5} + \frac{1}{5} ).
- Step 1: Add the numerators: ( 2 + 1 = 3 ).
- Step 2: Keep the denominator: ( \frac{3}{5} ).
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Interactive Activity
- Ask students to solve ( \frac{4}{7} + \frac{2}{7} ) in pairs, followed by a discussion of their answers.
Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators (10 minutes)
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Explanation
- When fractions have different denominators, you need to find a common denominator before adding.
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Finding a Common Denominator
- The common denominator is often the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
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Example Problem
- Add ( \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{4} ).
- Step 1: Find the LCM of 3 and 4, which is 12.
- Step 2: Convert each fraction:
- ( \frac{1}{3} = \frac{4}{12} ) (since ( 1 \times 4 = 4 ) and ( 3 \times 4 = 12 ))
- ( \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{12} ) (since ( 1 \times 3 = 3 ) and ( 4 \times 3 = 12 ))
- Step 3: Now add:
- ( \frac{4}{12} + \frac{3}{12} = \frac{7}{12} ).
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Practice Exercise
- Provide the students with a few fractions to add using different denominators (e.g., ( \frac{1}{6} + \frac{1}{2} ) and ( \frac{2}{5} + \frac{1}{10} )).
Summary and Review (5 minutes)
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Key Points Recap
- Highlight the steps for adding fractions with like and unlike denominators.
- Emphasise the importance of converting to a common denominator for accurate results.
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Q&A Session
- Open the floor for any questions from students regarding the material covered and clarify any doubts.
Closing Activity (5 minutes)
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Reflection
- Ask students to reflect on today's lesson.
- Have them write down one thing they learned and one question they still have.
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Homework Assignment
- Assign practice problems for addition of fractions, ensuring a mix of like and unlike denominators to reinforce learning.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed worksheets for practice exercises
- Optional: Fraction circles for a hands-on understanding
Extension (Optional)
- For advanced students, introduce the concept of mixed numbers and proper/ improper fractions, as well as how to add them.
By following this lesson script, students will gain a solid understanding of how to add fractions, enhancing their mathematical skills effectively.