Question

Writing: Suppose that a vocal member of your local school board says that the study of fractions is no longer important now that we have calculators and computers and insists that it be cut from the curriculum to save money. Write a short letter to the editor of your local paper in which you agree or disagree. Give your reasons for retaining or eliminating the study of fractions.

Short answer

Learning fractions is crucial because it develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills, is necessary for the effective use of technology like calculators, and has varied real-world applications. Retaining the study of fractions in the curriculum supports a comprehensive education and the development of fundamental math skills.

Step-by-step solution

Introductory Paragraph

Begin the letter by addressing the editor and the readers of the local paper. Present your thesis statement, which outlines your position on the importance of teaching fractions in the school curriculum despite the availability of calculators and computers.

Reason 1: Fundamental Learning

Explain how learning fractions is a fundamental part of education that helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This is because understanding fractions requires a comprehension of number sense, division, and ratio, which are essential for more advanced mathematics and everyday life.

Reason 2: Technological Proficiency

Argue that the proper use of technology, such as calculators and computers, requires an understanding of the concepts they are automating, including fractions. Point out that to use such devices effectively, one must have a basic knowledge of what they are calculating.

Reason 3: Real-world Applications

Discuss the real-world applications of fractions in cooking, construction, finance, and science. Highlight the importance of being able to understand and manipulate fractions without relying solely on technology, which may not always be accessible or appropriate for every situation.

Counter-Argument

Address the school board member's perspective by acknowledging the usefulness of technology but refuting the idea that it can replace the foundational understanding of fractions. Technology should be seen as a tool to facilitate learning, not a replacement.

Concluding Paragraph

Conclude the letter by reiterating your stance on the importance of learning fractions. Restate the thesis and the importance of maintaining this crucial part of the curriculum for the benefit of students' education and future.

Key concepts

Fundamental Mathematics Education

Grasping the concept of fractions is a cornerstone of fundamental mathematics education. It is much more than just a series of symbol manipulations; it's a pathway to understanding proportionality, division, and the concept of variables.

Students beginning their journey into the numeric world need to build a strong foundation, and learning fractions is a key brick in this foundation. It's not just about learning how to add or subtract pieces of a pie. It's about developing number sense – recognizing how numbers relate to each other and to real-life situations.

Moreover, mastering fractions sets students up for success in more advanced topics like algebra, geometry, and calculus. Without this critical skill, students may struggle with more complex mathematical operations and logic problems that form a large part of modern educational expectations.

Critical Thinking in Math

Critical thinking in math is about making logical and reasoned judgments, and fractions offer an ideal framework for this kind of mental exercise.

Understanding fractions demands more than memorization; it requires the application of several math concepts at once. For instance, solving a problem involving fractions may involve recognizing the lowest common denominator, which in turn involves understanding multiples and factoring.

Moreover, engaging with fractions teaches students how to handle abstract concepts by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts. This skill translates into enhanced problem-solving abilities that are valuable in mathematics and beyond, fueling innovation and analytical thinking in diverse fields.

Real-World Applications of Fractions

Fractions are not confined to the pages of textbooks; they are part of our daily lives. Whether it's dividing a pizza among friends or measuring ingredients for a recipe, fractions are essential in various real-world scenarios.

In the world of construction, understanding fractions is crucial when reading blueprints and measuring materials. Financially savvy individuals recognize fractions when calculating interest rates and comparing price reductions. Additionally, science frequently uses fractions to represent data and statistics, water down solutions, or distribute resources.

Contrary to the belief that these skills are rendered obsolete by technology, the ability to understand and compute fractions without solely relying on calculators ensures versatility and independence in solving practical problems.

Technological Proficiency in Math

While technology has the power to make computations faster and more efficient, technological proficiency in math goes far beyond punching numbers into a calculator. It involves understanding what calculations are being made and interpreting the results.

This skill is especially crucial when it comes to fractions. A calculator may give you a decimal equivalent of a fraction, but interpreting that number—in terms of its size, its relationship with other numbers, or converting it back into a fraction for a recipe or measurement—requires a firm grasp of the underlying mathematical principles.

In essence, technology is a complement to education, not a substitute. Facilitating the learning process requires a symbiotic relationship wherein students comprehend fractions well enough to engage effectively with technological tools that can handle complex calculations.