Learn Fractions with Cuisenaire Rods

1. 1_/2 + 1_/4 =



Take the numerator 1 * 2 red rods = 2

Take the numerator 1 * 1 purple = 1

Therefore, 2_{/4 +} 1_{/4 =} 3_/4



2. 1/3 + 3/4 =



Take the numerator 1 * 4 light green rods = 4

Take the numerator 3 * 3 purple rods = 9

Therefore, 4/12 + 9/12 = 13/12 = 1 1/2



3. 3/4 + 5/8 =

Take the numerator 3 * 2 purple rods = 6

Take the numerator 5 * 1 brown rod = 5

Therefore, 6/8 + 5/8 = 11/8 = 1 3/8



4. 3/4 - 3/8 =

Take the numerator 3 * 2 purple rods = 6

Take the numerator 3 * 1 brown rod = 3

Therefore, 6/8 - 3/8 = 3/8



5. 2/3 - 1/6 + 3/4 =

First subtract 2/3 - 1/6



Take the numerator 2 * 2 light green rods = 4

Take the numerator 1 * 1 dark green rods = 1

Therefore, 4/6 - 1/6 = 3/6

Now your new problem is 3/6 + 3/4 =



Take the numerator 3 * 2 dark green rod = 6

Take the numerator 3 * 3 purple rods = 9

Therefore, 6/12 + 9/12 = 15/12 = ₁ 3/12 = ₁ 1/4

© June 1997 Molly Silha