Fixit Maths

Learning from Mistakes

Simplify to win

A game for 2 or more players

This is a simple game which encourages recognition of common factors and gives practice of simplifying fractions.

You will need:

  • Number cards (include some prime numbers, but not too many)
  • Matchstick, crayon or similar short stick for each player

    • How to play

    Shuffle the number cards and place in a pile face down. Double the number of players and add 2, then place this many cards them face up in a row.

    Players take turns to choose 2 cards placing one above the other to make a fraction with the matchstick/crayon separating them.

    Players score points according to the factor they used: 2 points for a factor of 2, 3 or 5 and 3 points for any other factor.

    The used cards and remaining face-up cards are placed in a discard pile and the next round begins with a different player turning the cards over and choosing first.

    Variations

  • Write 12, 24, 30, 36, 48, 64 (or your own choice or numbers) on a blank dice or spinner and use this, instead of a number card, to determine your denominator.
  • Use place value dice to generate 2-digit numbers. Record the numbers and choose from them as above, or alternatively, each player can roll and record 3 numbers for themselves, choosing 2 to use.

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