MathTappers vs Fraction Math

MathTappers: Fraction Estimation is designed to help learners to build their intuitive understanding of fractions by helping them to relate fractions (both symbols and pictures) to the nearest half (e.g., 0, 1/2 1, 1 1/2, 2, etc.) and then to extend their understanding by challenging them to use fraction estimates in addition and subtraction problems. Learners should be able to master the challenges in this app before moving on to formal operations with fractions. We recommend that this app be used in conjunction with classroom or tutoring activities to support consolidation, mastery and fluency through a series of manageable challenges. The purpose of this app is to support learners as they are developing their understanding of fractions, fraction symbols and fraction operations by emphasizing sense-making through estimation and the use of visual models. Evidence suggests that if learners are taught formulas and procedures before they develop understanding, then they may not be motivated to spend the effort needed to make sense of what they are doing. We want to support sense-making before procedural mastery. This app is not intended to be mastered in one shot – rather levels should be assigned judiciously to support classroom learning activities. After introducing each fraction idea (fraction estimation, and estimation of sums and differences) in a classroom presentation, explanation or discussion this app may be used in small group and individual activities to support exploration, sense-making, consolidation and remediation. Design: Tim Pelton & Leslee Francis Pelton Programming: Mike Anderson, Joshua E. Smith & Garrett Reimer The designers of the MathTappers apps are math educators and researchers seeking to create simple games that will help learners to make sense of mathematics one concept at a time. We have designed MathTappers apps to support students in learning mathematics by providing relevant visual models, focused content linked games and helpful suggestions for parents and educators. Please check out all of our MathTappers apps (links found at MathTappers.com): MathTappers: MultiMatch--a matching app that challenges learners to match sets of cards placed on the table. This is our newest MathTappers app. Although it comes with a deck and you can download others from our website, it was really designed to encourage teachers and students make and share their own matching game decks to capture their understanding and challenge others. Please go to mathtappers.com and check out our instructions on the right to find out how to make your own decks MathTappers: Clock Master--learn to tell time MathTappers: Estimate Fractions--make sense of fraction sums and differences MathTappers: Find Sums--learn basic facts for addition and subtraction MathTappers: Multiples--learn basic facts for multiplication and division MathTappers: Equivalents--equivalent fractions, decimals and percents MathTappers: Numberline--find relative positions of numbers on a numberline, MathTappers: Carbon Choices--help students explore their carbon footprint.

Fraction Math helps students learn and practice fraction calculations step by step. The app can be used to study addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with fractions. It supports positive and negative fractions, improper fractions, whole numbers, and mixed numbers. Students can also reduce the resulting fractions. Students can enter their own fractions, mixed numbers, and whole numbers. The app also includes an illustrated glossary of common fraction terms. Wired.com: “Quite a useful app for learning many fraction computations.” Fun Educational Apps: “Fraction Math app is easy to use and really takes you step by step when adding, subtracting or multiplying fractions.” Step-by-step fraction practice: In each step, the student is shown two possible choices. Sometimes both choices are correct. For example, when multiplying fractions, the student can choose to multiply the numerators or the denominators first. When there is only one correct next step, the other choice is a wrong step. If the student chooses the wrong step, the app explains why it is wrong. Intelligent help system: Fraction Math includes over 60 context-sensitive tips based on the current problem. For example, when finding the lowest common denominator, the help system first explains how to look for the answer. If the student still needs help, it can show the lowest common denominator. Animated learning: Every step is animated. The animation speed can be adjusted, and animations can also be turned off. Smart keyboard: When entering numbers, Fraction Math uses an intuitive rolling keyboard. Only one tap is needed to enter a number. When reducing fractions, a special prime number keyboard is shown. Illustrated fraction tips: The app includes many tips about fractions, mixed numbers, improper fractions, and reducing fractions. The tips include over 50 illustrations. Useful for different skill levels: - Add and subtract fractions with equal denominators - Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with different denominators - Reduce resulting fractions - Multiply fractions by whole numbers or other fractions - Divide fractions and mixed numbers - Use negative fractions, whole numbers, mixed numbers, and larger numbers Settings: - Allow addition - Allow subtraction - Allow multiplication - Allow division - Only allow fractions with the same denominator - Allow whole numbers - Allow mixed numbers - Allow negative numbers - Allow numbers greater than 12 Other iDevBooks Math Apps: Other iDevBooks math apps include Column Addition, Long Multiplication, Long Division, Column Subtraction, Lattice Multiplication, Visual Multiplication Table, Partial Differences Subtraction, Partial Quotients Division, Partial Sums Addition, Decimal Rounding, and more. Feedback: New ideas to make this app better are welcome. Please visit idevbooks.com to give feedback. Privacy: This app has no ads, no in-app purchases, and does not transmit user data during operation. The app also does not contain links to other apps or to the web.