Lesson 2: Decompose Fractions

Property

The decomposition of a fraction into a sum of unit fractions can be represented by three connected models: a visual tape diagram, a schematic number bond, and a symbolic addition sentence.
All three models represent the same core equation:

Examples

Property

A mixed number $A \frac{b}{c}$ is visually represented by $A$ wholes, where each whole is equivalent to $\frac{c}{c}$, plus the fractional part $\frac{b}{c}$.

Examples

Property

A fraction $\frac{a}{b}$ can be decomposed into a sum of smaller fractions with the same denominator, such as $\frac{a}{b} = \frac{x}{b} + \frac{y}{b}$, where $x + y = a$.

Examples