Middle Grades Math: Addition and Subtraction of Rational Numbers: Part 1

Objectives

• Students will use interactive models and pattern blocks to model positive mixed numbers and the sums and differences of positive mixed numbers.
• Students will understand subtraction of mixed numbers as adding the additive inverse.

Vocabulary

• rational number
• equivalent fractions
• mixed numbers

About the Lesson

This lesson involves using pattern blocks to model addition and subtraction of positive mixed numbers for randomly generated numeric expressions.
As a result, students will:

• Use pattern blocks to model addition and subtraction of positive mixed numbers.
• Calculate sums and differences, and use the TI-Nspire to check the accuracy of their calculations.