Downsize

Using the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 once and only once and the symbols × and ÷  once and only once, what is the smallest whole number you can make?

Now suppose you have to use the symbol + once and the symbol ÷ twice what is the smallest fraction that you can find?

For example \frac{1}{4}+\frac{2}{35}= \frac{43}{140}.

Can you find a smaller fraction?

Click here to download the Downsize worksheet

See the Notes for Teachers.

Click here to download the DOWNSIZE poster.

This problem is adapted from the NRICH task  1, 2, 3, 4, 5 with permission of the University of Cambridge. All rights reserved.