This
activity asks students to "build" algebraic fractions.
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If
they can build it,
they understand it! |
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The rules are simple:
- the answer must contain at
least one variable,
- the answer must be in the
form of a fraction, and
- the answer must reduce to
the given term or expression.
- (more
advanced rule) the answer must contain binomials.
Examples:
Build an algebraic fraction which
will reduce to 2.
Build an algebraic fraction which will reduce to 3x.
Build an algebraic fraction which will reduce to y
+ 1.
Build an algebraic fraction which will reduce to 2xy.
Build an algebraic fraction which will reduce to
5x/w. |
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Start out will
simple problems and progress
to more difficult situations. |
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During this activity, students may be working
independently or in groups. If working with groups of students,
ask the groups to exchange answers to check their work. (Or,
collect the problems to be used on an upcoming quiz.)
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Other
Possibilities |
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An alternate form of this activity is to simply give
the directions "Build an algebraic
fraction which can be reduced." to pairs (or groups) of
students. The challenge is to prepare a fraction that will
"stump" the other pairs (or groups) when they are asked to
reduce the fraction.
- Write all of the fractions on the board.
- Ask all of the pairs (or groups) to reduce each
fraction.
- Tally the number of correct responses to each
fraction.
- The pair (group) creating the most challenging
fraction wins 5 bonus points on the next quiz, or a candy bar, or is
exempt from the homework, or ......
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Use your
imagination to adapt this activity to best fit your classroom. |
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