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Visualizing Fractions with Prime Climb
Visualizing Fractions with Prime Climb
Using prime climb numbers we have a numerator and a demoninator. We can cancel common factors to simplify the fraction. Equivalent fractions are easy to see. First we need to understand the way Prime Climb numbers work.
Using prime climb numbers we have a numerator and a demoninator. We can cancel common factors to simplify the fraction. Equivalent fractions are easy to see. First we need to understand the way Prime Climb numbers work.
One is not a prime, but it is a factor of ALL numbers. Hence when we cancel factors using colours, if we have no colours left, we have grey. Number 1 is grey. Let's call it the super special invisible factor.
Simplify Fractions by canceling factors using the colours!
Simplify Fractions by canceling factors using the colours!
For example both 5 and 10 have blue in their donuts. Numerator (5): Take the blue out and you get grey (1). Denominator (10): take the blue out to get orange. (2)
One half is the same as five tenths.
1/2 = 5/10
Visualizing Fractions without Prime Climb
Visualizing Fractions without Prime Climb
The above images are also great, just not so helpful when we come to algebra and introducing variables like "x". The Prime Climb numbers use the colours to represent numbers. The size of the piece of donut changes depending on the number of prime factors. Take a look at the size of the orange piece (in Prime Climb numbers) representing number two in 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 & 32 and notice the size changes. If we add a variable "x" into the Prime Climb image, perhaps coloured white, it does not imply what number "x" could be. The traditional images of fractions are less abstract, hence variables (like "x") are not easy to visualise. We can not cut an object into x pieces!
The above images are also great, just not so helpful when we come to algebra and introducing variables like "x". The Prime Climb numbers use the colours to represent numbers. The size of the piece of donut changes depending on the number of prime factors. Take a look at the size of the orange piece (in Prime Climb numbers) representing number two in 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 & 32 and notice the size changes. If we add a variable "x" into the Prime Climb image, perhaps coloured white, it does not imply what number "x" could be. The traditional images of fractions are less abstract, hence variables (like "x") are not easy to visualise. We can not cut an object into x pieces!
Primes
Primes
Prime Factor Thinking
Prime Factor Thinking
Will this help students see "x" is a number rather than a thing?
This frame can be used to display our "prime factor thinking" in a visual way.
When we understand the process we no longer need the Prime Climb Number Frames.
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