In this activity, students use jumps on number lines to visualize addition of tenths and hundredths and to find the values of such sums. Using diagrams helps to reinforce the relative sizes of tenths and hundredths. It provides a visual reminder that all tenths can be expressed in terms of hundredths, and that some hundredths can be written in tenths, which can in turn help with addition of these fractions.
This is the first activity in which students write expressions and equations to represent sums of fractions with different denominators. Initially, students will likely find it helpful to write equivalent fractions in the same denominator. Later, as students become more fluent in expressing tenths in hundredths and vice versa, they may perform the rewriting mentally rather than on paper. When students create and compare their own representations for the context, they reason abstractly and quantitatively (MP2).
MLR1 Stronger and Clearer Each Time. Synthesis: Before the whole-class discussion, give students time to meet with 2–3 partners to share and get feedback on their response to ”the total distance Noah has walked.” Invite listeners to ask questions, to press for details and to suggest mathematical language. Give students 2–3 minutes to revise their written explanation based on the feedback they receive.
Advances: Writing, Speaking, Listening