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Fraction Fascination

Stage: 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3

We had several good solutions to this problem. They came from Cong who goes to St Peter's RC Primary, Aberdeen; Terence from Brumby Engineering College and Ben at Kingsbarns Primary.

Cong coloured the first image:



first image coloured

He said:

The green and dark blue shape is $\frac{1}{4}$ of the square's area (each).

The blue shape is $\frac{1}{8}$ of the square's area.

From these three shapes you can work out the red shape's area which is $\frac{3}{8}$.

Cong then sent in a new version of the large design:



large coloured design

He goes on to say:

This shape is made from combining 4 small squares together to get this big shape.

The shape in the middle of the large square is a rhombus.

The big blue shape is $\frac{1}{4}$ of the large square's area because it is $\frac{1}{4}$ of the small square and because the large square is four times as big as the small square, which means that it will be the same fraction.

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities can be found here.
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