CHAPTER 9: Fraction Operations

To use Fractions Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Click "Target" to select the type of operation you want to perform.
2. Select a shape to represent one unit
3. Select the "+" or "-" button depending on whether you want to add or subtract fractions.
4. Click "Set Target" and enter the fractions you want to add or subtract. (Only enter one fraction in each text box.)
5. Click "Ok" and then click the "<<<" button.

If you are adding fractions, follow these steps. (If you are subtracting fractions, skip to the next section.)

1. Click "Addend (1)".
2. Select the pattern block that you can use to represent the first fraction in your question and then click the grid. (Note: You may need to use more than one pattern block to represent the fraction.) The Addend (1) box above the screen will display a check mark when you have represented the fraction correctly.
3. Click "Addend (2)" and repeat step 2 to represent the second fraction in your question.  

• When you have represented both fractions correctly, the Sum box above the grid will display the correct answer to the addition question.
• The boxes above the grid will also display a check mark under "Best" to indicate whether you represented the fractions using pattern blocks in the best possible way.

If you are subtracting fractions, follow these steps:

1. Click "Subtrahend (1)".
2. Select the pattern block that you can use to represent the first fraction in your question and then click the grid. (Note: You may need to use more than one pattern block to represent the fraction.) The Subtrahend (1) box above the screen will display a check mark when you have represented the fraction correctly.
3. Click "Minuend (2)".
4. Select the pattern block that you can user to represent the second fraction in your question and then to represent the subtraction of your second fraction, click the pattern blocks that you used to represent the first fraction in your question.

• When you have represented the subtraction of the fractions correctly, the Sum box will display the correct answer to the subtraction question
• The boxes above the grid will also display a check mark under "Best" to indicate whether you represented the fractions using pattern blocks in the best possible way.