two fraction proofs

the first is from Fawn Nguyen
the second is from Tony Gardiner

a ppt is here

the second proof involves multiplying out brackets

algebraic fractions

start with numbers
see what happens
look for patterns/commonality
consider a method for (adding and) subtracting fractions - picture this as 'wigwam'

decide upon a general rule/form for the family type
explain, using algebraic fractions, why the numerator is always one particular number

the powerpoint

'wigwam' as a visual prompt for the steps

equations involving algebraic fractions

the idea for these tasks is from a question in Tony Gardiner's 'mathematical puzzling' book (1987)













the questions can be solved by trial and improvement but are intended to encourage an application of how to proceed with fractions and other techniques

'wigwam' is a visual cue for the procedure of adding/subtracting fractions
(sometimes called other things but 'wigwam' is heaps better)