Fraction Mazes / Puzzles at 3 Different Levels of Rigor
Puzzles are one engaging way to approach Math practice problems: this week, our team has published Fraction Mazes and Puzzles at three levels of rigor. Not only are they classroom-ready—they also come with an answer key!
These math mazes and puzzles are aligned to standard 5.NF.1, which challenges students to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators.
Maze #1 — Level of Rigor: 1
The first math maze asks students to trace a simple path through a grid of fractions. In order to find the next square that defines the correct path, students must select fractions that have a common denominator. This activity is aligned to the first level of rigor in Webb’s Depth of Knowledge Framework: Recall and Reproduction.
Maze #2 — Level of Rigor: 2
The second math maze is more complex: students must subtract one fraction from another in order to determine where the path leads next. This task is more rigorous, as it calls for the application of a skill/concept. In order to subtract fractions and solve the puzzle, students first need to find a common denominator for each equation.
Puzzle — Level of Rigor: 3
In the final (and most challenging) puzzle, students are challenged to create their own subtraction equations. This is the most rigorous puzzle of the three because it requires strategic thinking: to complete this activity, students must apply their knowledge of fractions to craft two original equations of fractions with unlike denominators.
In the Word version, we’ve also included some blank templates, in case you’d like to adapt these for your classroom. You can also download the PDF for the classroom-ready versions.
These puzzles are available for everyone — download the full resource here.
Differentiated Practice Problems
If you’re wondering what these problems look like on standardized exams, we’ve published a set of practice problems that these mazes are based on. This printable is another great way for students to practice subtracting fractions with different denominators in a context that resembles the exams they’ll take.
This packet of practice problems is available for everyone to download here.
