How to Use Strip Models to Add Fractions with Like Denominators

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

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using strip models to add fractions with like denominators:

Step 1: Understand the problem

Make sure you fully understand the fractions you need to add. For this example, let’s say we want to add \(\frac{2}{5} + \frac{3}{5}\).

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Step 2: Draw the strip models

Draw two horizontal bars of equal length to represent the two fractions you’re adding. Label each bar with its respective fraction.

Step 3: Divide the strip models

Divide each bar into equal parts based on the denominator. In our example, both denominators are 5, so divide each bar into 5 equal parts.

Step 4: Shade the parts

Shade the parts of the strip models based on the numerators. In our example, shade 2 parts of the first bar and 3 parts of the second bar.

Step 5: Align the strip models

Place the two strip models one above the other, aligning them perfectly.

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Step 6: Combine the shaded parts

Count the total number of shaded parts from both strip models. In our example, there are 2 shaded parts from the first bar and 3 shaded parts from the second bar, making a total of 5 shaded parts.

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Step 7: Write the sum as a fraction

Write the sum using the total number of shaded parts as the numerator and the original denominator. In our example, the sum is \(\frac{5}{5}\).

Step 8: Simplify if necessary

1. if the resulting fraction can be simplified, do so. In our example, \(\frac{5}{5}\) simplifies to 1.

So, using strip models, we found that \(\frac{2}{5} + \frac{3}{5} = 1\).

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