Ancient Math: Exploring Unit Fractions Like the Egyptians!

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

•	Welcome and Icebreaker: "What’s one thing you know about ancient Egypt?"

•	Brief explanation of unit fractions and how they differ from other fractions.

2. Egyptian Fractions Overview (10 minutes)

•	What Are Unit Fractions?

o	A unit fraction has a numerator of 1 (e.g., 1/2, 1/3, 1/4).

o	The Egyptians only used unit fractions in their math.

•	How Did They Do It?

o	Explain how Egyptians expressed fractions like 2/3 as the sum of unit fractions (e.g., 
        2/3 = 1/2 + 1/6).

o	Show examples from the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus.

3. Hands-On Activity: Writing Modern Fractions the Egyptian Way (15 minutes)
•	Interactive Exercise:

o	Give students a fraction like 3/4 or 5/6.

o	Guide them step-by-step to express it as the sum of unit fractions (e.g., 3/4 = 1/2 + 
        1/4).
o	Use visuals or manipulatives like fraction circles or bars to help them “see” the sums. 

•	Group challenge: Solve problems collaboratively (e.g., share 5 loaves of bread among 
        6 people the Egyptian way).

4. Math Meets History: A Fun Story (10 minutes)

•	Share a short story about how ancient scribes used fractions in daily life (e.g., 
        dividing bread, distributing goods).

•	Connect their methods to modern ideas like fair division and proportionality.

5. Wrap-Up and Takeaway Challenge (5 minutes)

•	Recap Key Ideas: 

o	Unit fractions and their role in Egyptian math.

o	How to write modern fractions as sums of unit fractions.

•	Takeaway Challenge: Ask students to find another fraction (e.g., 7/8) and represent it the Egyptian way at home.
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