Fractions in Ancient Egypt

This ppt covers the Egyptian method of using unit fractions. It consolidates understanding of unit fractions, equivalent fractions and adding fractions and encourages the use of visual representations to support understanding. Suitable for CFE2, CFE3 , KS2, and KS3.

The resource follows on from the ppt Number in Ancient Egypt which covers the hieroglyphs used to write numbers and compares the number system to out base 10 place value system. The quiz at the begining could be adapted to introduce the numbers if you don’t want to do both lessons. It works though the method of writing all non-unit fractions as unit fractions, explains why this system was easier as a practical solution, and encourages pupils to draw visualize fractions in real world situations. Group work and pair work is used to help scaffold understanding. Pupils also practice note-taking.