Problem of the Week Cutting Challenge Grade 5 Problem 23

Question

Tim had 4 paper fraction pieces, each of thirds, fourths, sixths, and twelfths. He did not have enough pieces to show both 2/4 and 1/3 as equivalent fractions with the same denominator. How could he form enough pieces by making 1 cut with a scissors?

My daughter had this problem and for the life of me I cannot figure it out...please help so I can understand this myself so I can explain it to my daughter. The only thing I am pretty sure about is that the same or common denominator is 12 (twelfths) but to cut paper once to show for this by producing the pieces with one cut...??? That's where I don't know what to do to demonstrate this with a single cut...Thanks in advanced for your help!

Answer 1

 

Tim had 4 paper fraction pieces, each of thirds, fourths, sixths, and twelfths. He did not have enough pieces to show both 2/4 and 1/3 as equivalent fractions with the same denominator. How could he form enough pieces by making 1 cut with a scissors?

My daughter had this problem and for the life of me I cannot figure it out...please help so I can understand this myself so I can explain it to my daughter. The only thing I am pretty sure about is that the same or common denominator is 12 (twelfths) but to cut paper once to show for this by producing the pieces with one cut...??? That's where I don't know what to do to demonstrate this with a single cut...Thanks in advanced for your help!

1/3 = 4/12

1/4 = 3/12

1/6 = 2/12

1/12 adding these 4/12 + 3/12 + 2/12 + 1/12 = 10/12

have to make 2/4 or 6/12 and 1/3 or 4/12

Imagine the four pieces in a circle all connected1/3 next two 1/4 next to 1/6 and 1/12 (there is 2/12 not used or missing.

The Cut is between 1/3 and 1/4

 

 

 

Answer 2

I think that poor boy Tim has enough pieces(1/3, 1/4, 1/6, 1/12) and does not need to cut anything.

1/3 + 1/6=4/12 + 2/12=6/12=2/4

1/4 + 1/12=3/12 + 1/12= 4/12= 1/3