Fractions - Using Fractions as Operators - Worksheet

The worksheet provided is designed to deepen children's understanding of using fractions as operators in mathematical calculations. It combines their knowledge of finding fractions of amounts with the concept of multiplying fractions. The exercises encourage students to apply the principle of commutativity, which states that the order of multiplication can be changed without affecting the product. Through a series of tasks, the children are asked to use bar models to visualize and solve problems that involve fractions as operators. They are tasked with completing calculations by either multiplying fractions or finding a fraction of an amount, and then they must decide which method is more efficient for each scenario.

Further into the worksheet, students are presented with reasoning and problem-solving challenges that require a strategic approach. One such task involves a hypothetical situation where two characters, Dexter and Jack, must find a two-digit number between 30 and 40. Dexter calculates three-quarters of this number, while Jack multiplies the number by three-quarters. The goal is to find the original number based on the clue that the digit total of the new number is one more than that of the original number. Students must show each step of their calculations and explain their choice of method, comparing it with a partner's approach. Answer keys are provided to verify the accuracy of the students' work and to facilitate a discussion about the different strategies used.