I teach remedial math on the college level, and I find that numerous students are left behind in the mathematical dust if only one strategy is used or introduced when learning fractions. Finding the lowest common denominator, changing denominators, not changing denominators, finding a reciprocal, and reducing to lowest terms are complex issues and often very difficult for many of my students.
I classify my students as mathphobics whose mathematical anxiety is hard to hide. One of my classes entitled, Fractions, Decimals and Percents, is geared for these undergraduates who have never grasped fractions. This article encompasses how I use a different method to teach adding fractions so these students can be successful. Specifically, let's look at adding fractions using the Cross Over Method.
Below is a typical fraction addition problem. After writing the problem on the board, rewrite it with the common denominator of 6.
Procedure:
1) Ask the students if they see any way to multiply and make a 3 using only the numbers in this problem.
2) Now ask if there is a way to multiply and make 2 using just the numbers in the problem.
3) Finally, ask them to find a way to multiply the numbers in the problem to make 6 the denominator.
4) Instruct the students to cross their arms. This is the cross of cross over and means we do this by cross multiplying in the problem.
5) Multiply the 3 and 1, then write the answer in the numerator. *Note: Always start with the right denominator or subtraction will not work.
6) Next multiply the 2 and 1 and write the answer in the numerator. Don’t forget to write the + sign. *Note: One line is drawn under both numbers. This is to prevent the students from adding the denominators (a very common mistake).
8) Add the numerators only to find the correct answer.
9) Reduce to lowest terms when necessary.
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I have found these unconventional techniques are very effective for most of my students. If you find this strategy something you might want to use in your classroom, a resource on how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions is available by clicking the link under the resource cover.