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New
Year 7

Limitations of technology in calculations

I can enter fractions as divisions on a calculator (and other technology) and understand the limitations of the decimal representation that results.

icon-background-square
New
New
Year 7

Limitations of technology in calculations

I can enter fractions as divisions on a calculator (and other technology) and understand the limitations of the decimal representation that results.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The line in a fraction means divide.
  2. A calculator can be used to convert a fraction to a decimal using division.
  3. There might be limitations of the decimal representation of fractions.

Keywords

  • Recurring decimals - A recurring decimal is one that has an infinite number of digits after the decimal point

Common misconception

Incorrect inputting of negative numbers and/or exponents.

Encourage the use of brackets when using exponents.


To help you plan your year 7 maths lesson on: Limitations of technology in calculations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Given the limitations of the calculator, ask pupils to give as many different possible decimals to the number "0.27823728282" which is displayed on a calculator screen. e.g 0.27823728282828282..., 0.27823728281999999, 0.2782372828248392,
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Teacher tip
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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

6 Questions

Q1.
Using a calculator, calculate the simplified fraction of 196190.
Correct answer: 9895
9690
6260
1615
Q2.
Using a calculator, work out the answer to 1615×3032.
480320
4
2
Correct answer: 1
Q3.
Izzy's calculator gives an answer as a fraction. What is the name of the key that should be pressed last on the Casio fx-991CW in order to convert this fraction to a decimal?
Correct Answer: EXE, exe, execute
Q4.
Using a calculator, match the decimal to the equivalent fraction.
Correct Answer:0.35,720
tick

720

Correct Answer:0.894,447500
tick

447500

Correct Answer:2.134,1067500
tick

1067500

Correct Answer:2.413,24131000
tick

24131000

Q5.
The format key on the Casio fx-991CW allows you to change between decimals, improper fractions and mixed numbers.
Correct answer: True
False
Q6.
Using your calculator, find the answer to 2112×23
1.16666
Correct answer: 1.166666667
1.1666666666666666666667
1.166666666666666666666666666666

6 Questions

Q1.
Jacob uses his calculator to evaluate 32. What will the calculator display as the answer?
9 as this is the correct answer
9 as the calculator ignores the priority of operations
Correct answer: -9 as the calculator follows the priority of operations
-9 as this is the correct answer
Q2.
Working with fractions is always more accurate than using decimals.
True
Correct answer: False
Q3.
The calculator displays the decimal 1.234567891. Which of the following could this decimal be?
Correct answer: 1.2˙34567891˙
Correct answer: 1.2345678914˙
Correct answer: 1.234567891˙
1.2˙3234567891˙
Q4.
Use your calculator to find the area of
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: 512 m2
0.416 m2
0.4166666667 m2
1615 m2
Q5.
Use your calculator to covert 0.6252 into a fraction. The numerator will be
Correct Answer: 1563
Q6.
Use your calculator to covert 0.0625 into a fraction. The denominator will be
Correct Answer: 16
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