Download full textERIC Number: ED589554
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
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Generalising Fraction Structures as a Means for Engaging in Algebraic Thinking
Pearn, Catherine; Stephens, Max
Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia, Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA) (40th, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 2017)
In this paper, we report on how Year 5 and 6 students (10 to 13 years old) solve reverse fraction problems; that is, where students are required to find the quantity of an unknown whole given a known partial quantity and its equivalent fraction of the unknown whole. To what extent do students' solutions generalise fraction structures that indicate algebraic thinking? Which solution strategies to reverse fraction problems seem to promote generalisation and which appear to hold students back?
Descriptors: Fractions, Algebra, Thinking Skills, Mathematics Instruction, Foreign Countries, Mathematical Logic, Grade 4, Grade 5, Problem Solving, Elementary School Students, Elementary School Mathematics
Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia. GPO Box 2747, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia. Tel: +61-8-8363-0288; Fax: +61-8-8362-9288; e-mail: sales@merga.net.au; Web site: http://www.merga.net.au/
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Elementary Education; Grade 5; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
