When teaching addition of
fractions, a teacher observed
the following error with all the
students :
$\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{2}=\frac{2}{5}$
The remedial action teacher can take in such situation is
1). Help the children to understand the magnitude of each fraction
2). Help the children to understand the concept of LCM
3). Ask the children to practise of same type of problems
4). No intervention is needed because she will understand as she grows
The error observed is in the addition of fractions $1/3 + 1/2 = 2/5$, which is incorrect. The correct way to add fractions is by finding the Least Common Denominator (LCD) or LCM of the denominators, which in this case is $6$.
$1/3 = 2/6$
$1/2 = 3/6$
So, the correct sum is:
$1/3 + 1/2 = 2/6 + 3/6 = 5/6$
The remedial action should focus on helping students understand the process of finding the Least Common Denominator (LCD) when adding fractions.
Correct answer: 2). Help the children to understand the concept of LCM