Two difficulties that students have in computing with fractions are idenfitied. Then a procedure is described, stressing the identity element, that resolves these difficulties and increases students' understanding and retention. (MNS)

An outline of the way that fractions might be presented in ninth grade algebra is given, and implications for elementary school instruction are noted. (DT)

Described is a student-discovered algorithm for solving a problem involving division by a fraction. (RS)

The purpose of the study was to compare the results obtained from a group of fourth-grade students taught to add and subtract rational numbers through the use of field postulates and other properties of whole numbers with fourth-grade students taught by a standard method using objects and the number line. Eight classes of 30 students each…

A procedure is described that enables students to perform operations on fractions with a calculator, expressing the answer as a fraction. Patterns using paper-and-pencil procedures for each operation with fractions are presented. A microcomputer software program illustrates how the answer can be found using integer values of the numerators and…

The major portion of the article establishes the basis for the stated rule - to divide by a fraction, turn it upside down and multiply. With this background, three justifications for the rule are given. Several possible errors in students' use of the rule are noted. (LS)

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in achievement of fifth-grade students in 16 classes taught two of four mathematical algorithms by one of four instructional strategies. Computational skills and ability to extend the algorithm were tested. The instructional strategies were: pattern, algebraic, pattern followed by…

This guide continues instruction of the three guides in SE 012 723 and of the two guides included in SE 012 724. Counting skills, appreciation of pattern and order, and understanding of place value are extended to numbers up to one million, and the associative, commutative and distributive laws are made explicit. Manipulation of equations is…

The author feels teaching division of fractions is worthwhile because it will help students understand other algorithms. (MK)

The early use of the distributive law can aid students in learning addition of fractions and provide rapid approaches to computation involving other operations. (SD)