Sept 03

What is the last digit of the number 1 / 5^903 ?

Too Close to Call

Weekly Problem 24 - 2012
Can you put these very close fractions into order?

Fractional Wall

Using the picture of the fraction wall, can you find equivalent fractions?

Matching Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

Why do this problem?

This game can be played to improve students' recognition of equivalent fractions, decimals and percentages.

Possible approach

There are three sets of printable cards, which you may find useful. Set A is the easiest, and set C is the hardest. Each half (top/bottom) is a stand alone set so you can combine these to form the size and difficulty that you would like.
For example, you might want to combine the bottom half of set A with the top half of set B, or all of set B with the top half of set C.

If you print double sided, then the cards will have an NRICH logo on the back. Otherwise, you can just print the first page.

Set A, Set B, Set C

Demonstrate the game using the interactivity or the printed cards. Then invite students to play the game, moving on to the next level of difficulty when they are ready.

Level 1 on the interactivity uses cards from Set A.
Level 2 on the interactivity uses cards from Sets A & B.
Level 3 on the interactivity uses cards from Set B.
Level 4 on the interactivity uses cards from Sets B & C.
Level 5 on the interactivity uses cards from Set C.

Bring the class together and ask for any tips or strategies that help with the game.

You could invite students to create their own sets of cards that they can share and use to play different versions of the game.

Key questions

What could match with 0.3?
What could match with 25%?
What could match with $\frac35$?
Which cards did you find easier to match?
Which cards did you find more difficult to match?

Possible support

Encourage students to play in face-up mode a few times before moving on to face-down mode.

Matching Fractions can be used to help children develop their understanding of fractions before moving on to this activity.

Possible extension

Students can play the Fractions and Percentages Card Game where the card matching requires calculations.