NCTM Standards: Represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols; Understand patterns, relations and functions
Activity 33: Fraction CentsAdded on 5/14/2008 |
Downloads: TI-73 PDF file |
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| ACTIVITY OVERVIEW In this activity we will:
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To get the calculator set, press the  key and set your window like the one on the right. You can use the arrow keys to move to items you need to change and press  to select them. |
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First of all, you will become familiar with the  and  keys. The  key writes fractions in the form you are probably familiar. The  key is a two way key that converts a fraction to a decimal and a decimal to a fraction. |
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To type in 5/8, press the 5 and then press the key. Then enter the 8 and press  . |
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| In order to convert the fraction to a decimal, enter the fraction as described above, press the key and press . |
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You can retrieve previous work by pressing the up arrow key  until you highlight the work you want and press . |
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| This activity will help you develop fraction/decimal sense. For each fraction you want to find a denominator that will get you as close as possible to the target decimal. |
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| For example, if you are given 5/_ = .35, you need to enter a denominator with a numerator of 5 that will be close to .35 when you convert it. You can only use whole numbers for the denominator. |
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| If you guess 7 then your entry on your calculator would look like the screen on the right. Not very close to .35. Why would someone enter 5/7? ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ |
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| Based on this guess, try a guess yourself to get closer to the .35 target. | |
| One the right are your problems. You can do this with a partner and see who is closest each time. |
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| Now that you have had a chance to practice, write a strategy you would use to estimate a fraction that would be as close as possible to a certain decimal. | 
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| Extension Take the same numbers and now you are allowed to use numbers with decimals. This should let you get closer to some of the targets. |
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