Modeling Fractions with Cuisenaire® Rods

Hint: Which rod can you fit five times along the length of the orange rod?

Hint: Use three identical rods that each represent one-fifth (1⁄5).

Hint: Which rod can you fit 10 times along the length of the orange rod?

Hint: 3⁄5 + 1⁄10 = 7⁄10
Move the rod that represents one-tenth (1⁄10) next to rods that each represent one-fifth (1⁄5).

Hint: 7⁄10 – 2⁄5 = 3⁄10
Move the purple rod above your model for seven-tenths (7⁄10). Remove the red or white rods that take up the same space as one purple rod.

Hint: How many yellow rods can you fit along the length of the orange rod?

Hint: Choose a rod that can fit twice along the length of the rod that represents one whole.

Hint: There are many fractions you can model. Try to model 1⁄3, 3⁄4, and 5⁄9.

You can model a fraction by stacking two or more Cuisenaire® Rods.

If the orange rod represents the number one whole, which rod would you use to represent one-fifth (1⁄5)? If the orange rod represents the number one whole, how would you model three-fifths (3⁄5)? If the orange rod represents the number one whole, how would you model one-tenth (1⁄10)? Place your models for three-fifths (3⁄5) and one-tenth (1⁄10) on the grid. How would you represent the addition of these two fractions? Using one purple rod, place a model for two-fifths (2⁄5) on the grid. How would you represent the subtraction 7⁄10 – 2⁄5? What fraction of the orange rod does the yellow rod represent? Use a red, purple, or brown rod to represent one whole. How can you represent one-half (1⁄2) of the rod you chose? What other fractions can you model using these Cuisenaire Rods?

Drag the Cuisenaire Rods onto the grid