How to Use Area Models to Add Fractions with Like Denominators

A step-by-step guide to Using Area Models to Add Fractions with Like Denominators

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with this:

Step 1: Understand the concept of an area model

An area model is a visual representation of a mathematical concept using a grid, rectangle, or square. Each section of the model represents a part of the whole, and the entire model represents the total value.

Step 2: Create a combined area model for both fractions

Since the fractions have like denominators, you can create a single area model to represent both fractions. Draw a rectangle and divide it into equal parts based on the denominator of the fractions.

Example: To add \(\frac{2}{5}\) and \(\frac{3}{5}\):

• Draw a rectangle and divide it into 5 equal parts for the denominator 5.

Step 3: Shade the parts representing each fraction

Shade the number of parts indicated by the numerator of each fraction.

• In the example, shade 2 parts to represent \(\frac{2}{5}\) and 3 more parts to represent \(\frac{3}{5}\).

Step 4: Add the fractions using the area model

Combine the shaded parts of the area model to represent the sum of the fractions.

• For the example above, the shaded parts from the two fractions (\(\frac{2}{5}\) and \(\frac{3}{5}\)) represent the sum of the fractions.

Step 5: Write the sum as a fraction

Count the total number of shaded parts and write the sum as a fraction with the same denominator as the original fractions.

• In the example above, there are a total of 5 shaded parts, so the sum is \(\frac{5}{5}\).

Step 6: Simplify the fraction, if necessary

If the fraction can be simplified, do so to express the sum in its simplest form.

• In this example, \(\frac{5}{5}\) can be simplified to 1.

So, using an area model, we find that \(\frac{2}{5} + \frac{3}{5} = 1\). This method helps to visually demonstrate the addition of fractions with like denominators, making it more accessible and easier to comprehend.