Algorithms � A set of rules for per-
forming a procedure.
Benchmark � A �nice� number that
be used to estimate the size of
other number s. 0, 1/2 and 1 are
good benchmarks
Decimal� A special form of a frac-
tion. 1/2 can be written i n the form
of 0.5
Denominator � The number written
below the line in a fracti on. In the
fracti on 3/4, 4 is the denominator
Equivalent Fractions � Fractions that are equal in value but have dif-
fer ent numerators and denomina-
tors. For example, 2/3 and 14/21
are equivalent fractions . Numerator � The number written above the l ine in a fraction. In the
fraction 5/8, 5 is the numerator.
Investigations Glossary
Connected Mathematics
Project
Everett Public Schools
Mathematics Program
Proposed Time Frame:
Approximately 6 weeks
Bits and Pieces II
Fractions, Decimals and
Percents
Unit Goals
:
Build understanding of
fractions, decima ls, and
percents
Understand how to
change fractions to
decimals and perce nts
Use percents to compute
and estimate taxes, and
discounts Use percents in real worl d problems
Web Resources
You will find the Fraction
Game and the Fraction Pie Game at:
www.illuminations.nctm.org
Fraction Game
Fraction Pie
Tips for Helping at Home
Good questions and good listening w ill
help children make se nse of mathemat-
ics an d build self-confidence. A good
question opens up a problem and su p-
ports different ways of thinking about it.
Here are some questions you might try,
notice that none of them can be an-
swered with a simple �yes � or �no�.
Getting Started
What do you need to find ou t?
What do you need to know?
What terms do you understan d or
not understand?
While Working
How can you organize the inf orma-
tion?
Do you see any patterns or relation-
ships that w ill help solve this?
What would happen if�?
Reflecting about the Solution
How do you know your answer is
reasonable?
Has the question been answ ered?
Can you explain it another w ay?
At Home:
1 Talk with your child about
what�s going on in mathem atics
class.
2 Look for ways to link mathe-
matical learning to daily activi-
ties. Encourag e your child to
figu re out the amounts for halv-
ing a recipe, estimating gas
mileage, or figuring a restau-
rant tip.
3 Encourage y our child to sched-
ule a regular time for home-
work and provide a comfortable
place for their study , free from
distractions.
4 Monitor y our child�s home-
work on a regular basis by
looking at one problem or ask-
ing your child to briefly de-
scribe the focus of the home-
work. When your child asks
for help, work with them in-
stead of doing the problem for
them.
At School
1 Attend Open House, Back to
School Nigh t, and after school
ev ents.
2 Join the parent-teacher organi-
zation
Investigation 1 Using Percents
Develop an understanding of the con-
cept of percent
Use $1.00 as a way to visualize per-
cents
Use percents in estimating or computing
taxes, tips and discounts
Investigation 2 More About Percents
Investigate the relationships among
fractions, decimals and percents
Understand the concept of �out of 100�
Investigation 3 Estimating wi th Fractions
and Decimals
Estimate sums of fractions and decimals
Understand when to use overestimate
and underestimate
Use estimation strategies to approxi-
mate a sum
Investigation 4 Adding and Subtracting
Fractions
Develop strategies for adding and sub-
tracting fractions
Understand when addition or subtraction
is the appropriate operation
Reinforce understanding of equivalence
of fractions
Use estimation to help make decisions
Investigation 5 Finding Areas and Ot her
Products
Develop and understanding of multipli-
cation of fractions
Find a fraction of a whole number
Solve Real-world Problems
Connected Mathematics Project
Mathematics in
Investigations
Phone: 425-385-4062
Fax: 425-385-4092
Email: mstine@everett.wednet.edu