Video Post: Bridging the Gap Between Fractions and Decimal Notation
by March 09th, 2016
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Decimal notation is formatted based on the power of tens, which actually makes transitioning from decimals to fractions somewhat simple, although a difficult concept for some students to grasp. For instance, 0.25 is the same as 25/100. This comparison is easy to explain, but some students get lost in translation.
As such, students may start thinking that 0.15 is the same as 1/5. However, it’s not difficult to see how students’ logic took them to this place. For this reason, it’s important to help students understand the relationship between fractions and decimals, numerators and denominators and so on.
Instead of teaching a series of concepts, ensure students are reasoning mathematically. Number lines and fraction strips or bricks help many students visualize the value of decimals and fractions, so consider utilizing these tools. Our book “Beyond Pizzas & Pies: 10 Essential Strategies for Supporting Fraction Sense” provides strategies and actual classroom video clips that support teaching fractions and decimals. Also look for free resources on our Free Resources page.
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