Math Arguments

Problems, Questions, and Puzzles to spark discussion and argument in the maths classroom.

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Item 532

Improperly Canceling Fractions

Simple fraction reduction ...  \(\dfrac{26}{65} = \dfrac{2}{5}\) ... Wait a minute. Reduce by canceling the 6s?

Is this a fluke or is there something more sinister at work here?
Does this trick work in any other fractions?

If the Latex isn't working, this problem is 26/65 = 2/5.


What other mathematical aspects of this caught your attention? What do you wonder about the situation?

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Notice, Wonder
T.R.Milne
ALL

Source: T.R.Milne
More Information:
Noticing and wondering is a tool to help students:
- Understand the story, the quantities, and the relationships in the problem.
- Understand what the problem is asking and what the answer will look like. Have some ideas to begin to solve the problem.
More Here at NCTM


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