Introduction

Operations with decimals and fractions are fundamental in Mathematics. The precision of a fraction can be converted into a decimal number and vice versa. That is, the value of a fraction can also be represented by a decimal number. Both are extensively used in various areas of mathematics and in everyday situations.

A complete understanding of these concepts is essential, as they become the basis for more advanced studies. Several operations with decimals and fractions, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation, and square roots, are important topics in mathematics that are fundamental for the understanding of advanced concepts.

Mastering these topics is not only crucial for academic progression but also important in everyday life. Knowing how to operate with decimals and fractions can help in various real-life situations, such as calculating discounts, understanding interest rates, splitting bills, or measuring ingredients for a recipe.

Contextualization

Mathematics is everywhere and in the simplest things we do. Even when we go to the supermarket, we need to have a notion of decimal numbers and fractions to see if the amount we are going to pay is correct or if a product is really on sale.

Moreover, in engineering and architecture works, for example, the use of precise measurements is common. Often, these measurements are in decimals or fractions.

In teaching mathematics, it is essential to make learning meaningful and contextualized. This way, learning becomes more effective, and the student can see the application of the content in their daily life, as well as develop socio-emotional skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and time management.

Practical Activity - Mathematics at the Supermarket

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to apply the knowledge of operations with decimals and fractions in real-life situations. By the end of the project, students should be able to understand the relationship between decimals and fractions, perform operations with them, and apply them in everyday situations.

Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group must create a "supermarket" with products for sale, define the prices of these products, and then develop mathematical problems related to these products, using operations with decimals and fractions.

The activity will be divided into three phases: Planning, Execution, and Report. The total duration of the project should be around 5 to 10 hours per student, ideally distributed over a month.

Required Materials

• Cardboard paper or A4 sheets of paper
• Colored pens, pencils, and eraser
• Ruler, compass, and scissors
• Calculator

Project Step by Step

1. Planning: Each group will create the products for the supermarket. The products can be drawn on paper, or use images from the internet and print them. Each product must have a price in decimal.

2. Execution: The groups will develop mathematical problems involving the supermarket products. The problems should involve operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation, and square roots with decimals and fractions.

3. Report: Finally, each group must write a report explaining what they did, how they did it, what the results were, and the conclusions. The report should be divided into 4 parts: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

Project Delivery

Each group must deliver the complete report, as well as the problems created and their solutions. The report should be written, preferably in a text editor, and should be between 3 and 5 pages.

The report should be divided into:

1. Introduction: Students must explain the purpose of the project, the concept of decimals and fractions, and their relationship with supermarket purchases.

2. Development: Students must report how they developed the work, the creation of the products, how they defined the prices, the elaboration of the problems, and how they solved them. They must also explain the operations used and show the calculations performed.

3. Conclusions: Students must discuss the results obtained, what they learned from the activity, and how they can apply the concept of decimals and fractions in real life.

4. Bibliography: Indicate the books, websites, videos, or any material used to support the theory and to carry out the project.

It is important for students to actively participate in all stages of the project, not only in solving mathematical problems but also in preparing the report and other deliveries, so that they can consolidate their learning and improve socio-emotional skills, such as teamwork, responsibility, and time management.