Fractions can be displayed as rectangles (area model) or circles (pie model), helping learners see fractions in different contexts.
When to use Fraction blocks
Fraction blocks work well for:- Demonstrating part-whole relationships
- Visualizing fractions as shaded portions
- Showing equivalent fractions
- Teaching fraction concepts before formal notation
- Illustrating fraction addition and comparison
Settings
Display settings
select
default:"rectangle"
The visual representation of the fraction:
- Rectangle: Shows the fraction as a shaded area model (bar)
- Circles: Shows the fraction as shaded pie segments
switch
default:"true"
When enabled, displays the numeric fraction (e.g., 3/4) alongside the visual.
switch
default:"true"
When enabled, displays the greatest common divisor information, useful for simplifying fractions.
Configuring the fraction
The fraction is defined by the number of parts and how many are shaded:- Total parts: The denominator (how many equal parts the whole is divided into)
- Shaded parts: The numerator (how many parts are filled in)
Tips for teachers and parents
Best practices:- Use rectangles for area model understanding and comparing fractions
- Use circles for fractions of time, pizza-style problems, or pie charts
- Start with simple fractions (halves, quarters) before more complex denominators
- Show the numeric fraction alongside the visual to connect representations
- Use multiple Fraction blocks to compare fractions or show equivalence
- Hide the numeric fraction when you want learners to identify the fraction from the visual