Ancient Math: Exploring Unit Fractions Like the Egyptians!
Travel back in time to ancient Egypt and discover how the Egyptians used unit fractions to solve problems! In this interactive class, you’ll learn what unit fractions are, why they were important in history, and how to use them today.
Tiffany Mendoza
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(2)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. worksheet will be givenGrading
includedClass Experience
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.
________________________________________Learning Goals
• Understand the concept of unit fractions (fractions with a numerator of 1, like 1/2, 1/3, 1/4).• Learn how the Egyptians represented and used unit fractions in their calculations
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2024
5.0
2reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As a self-taught learner with a deep love for math, science, English, foreign languages, and history, I've spent my life diving into a wide range of subjects. I believe that learning can happen anywhere and at any time, which is why I enjoy sharing the tools and strategies I’ve developed over the years with students of all ages.
While I welcome all learners, I specialize in working with neurodivergent students or those who thrive with different learning approaches. As someone who is neurodivergent myself and a parent to a neurodivergent child, I understand firsthand the unique challenges and strengths that come with thinking differently. My goal is to create a supportive, engaging, and flexible learning environment where every child feels empowered to explore and succeed in their own way.
I majored in Applied Mathematics/ Computer Science minoring in foreign languages in addition I have worked with most types of learners including neurodivergent ones.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$20
per classMeets once
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
3-5 learners per class
