Fraction Fun: Naming Numerators and Denominators!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 2:31 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn about the parts of a fraction! This lesson explains what the numerator and denominator are and how they show parts of a whole.

Video Resource

Numerator and denominator of a fraction | Fractions | Pre-Algebra | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 2:31
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Fractions represent parts of a whole.
  • The numerator is the top number in a fraction.
  • The denominator is the bottom number in a fraction.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the numerator and denominator in a given fraction.
  • Students will be able to explain what the numerator and denominator represent in terms of parts of a whole.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they've ever shared a pizza or a cake. Ask how they would describe how much they ate. Introduce the concept of fractions as a way to represent parts of something.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video: 'Numerator and denominator of a fraction | Fractions | Pre-Algebra | Khan Academy'. Remind students to pay attention to how the narrator explains the numerator and denominator.
  • Discussion (5 mins)
    After the video, ask students to define the numerator and denominator in their own words. Use the pie example from the video to reinforce the concept.
  • Practice (10 mins)
    Write several fractions on the board (e.g., 1/2, 2/3, 4/5, 7/8). Have students identify the numerator and denominator for each fraction. You can use color-coded markers to underline the numerator in one color and the denominator in another.
  • Real-World Examples (5 mins)
    Discuss real-world examples of fractions. For instance, 'If there are 4 slices of pizza and you eat 1, what fraction of the pizza did you eat?' (1/4). Or 'There are 10 crayons in a box, and 3 are red. What fraction of the crayons are red?' (3/10).

Interactive Exercises

  • Fraction Art
    Provide students with blank shapes (circles, squares, rectangles). Ask them to divide the shapes into different numbers of equal parts (e.g., 2, 4, 8). Then, have them color in a certain number of parts and write the fraction that represents the colored area. For example, divide a circle into 4 equal parts, color 1 part blue. The fraction would be 1/4.

Discussion Questions

  • What does the denominator tell you about a fraction?
  • What does the numerator tell you about a fraction?
  • Can you think of a time you used fractions in your everyday life?

Skills Developed

  • Identifying the numerator and denominator of a fraction
  • Understanding the concept of fractions as parts of a whole
  • Applying fractions to real-world situations

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

In the fraction 2/5, which number is the numerator?

Correct Answer: 2

Question 2:

In the fraction 3/8, which number is the denominator?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 3:

What does the denominator of a fraction tell you?

Correct Answer: The total number of equal parts

Question 4:

What does the numerator of a fraction tell you?

Correct Answer: How many parts are shaded or being considered

Question 5:

If you have a pizza cut into 6 slices and you eat 4 slices, what fraction of the pizza did you eat?

Correct Answer: 4/6

Question 6:

In the fraction 1/4, what does the number 4 represent?

Correct Answer: The whole that is divided into parts

Question 7:

In the fraction 5/9, what does the number 5 represent?

Correct Answer: The part we are considering

Question 8:

Which fraction has a numerator of 7 and a denominator of 10?

Correct Answer: 7/10

Question 9:

If you have a group of 8 friends and 3 of them like to play video games, what fraction of your friends like video games?

Correct Answer: 3/8

Question 10:

Which fraction has a denominator of 5?

Correct Answer: 3/5

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The top number in a fraction is called the ___________.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 2:

The bottom number in a fraction is called the ___________.

Correct Answer: denominator

Question 3:

In the fraction 1/2, the denominator is ___________.

Correct Answer: 2

Question 4:

In the fraction 3/4, the numerator is ___________.

Correct Answer: 3

Question 5:

If a pizza has 8 slices and you eat 2, you ate ___________/8 of the pizza.

Correct Answer: 2

Question 6:

The ___________ tells you how many total parts there are.

Correct Answer: denominator

Question 7:

The ___________ tells you how many parts you have or are using.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 8:

In the fraction 6/10, the 6 is the ___________.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 9:

In the fraction 9/11, the 11 is the ___________.

Correct Answer: denominator

Question 10:

If you have a candy bar with 5 pieces, and you give 1 piece to your friend, you gave away ___________/5 of the candy bar.

Correct Answer: 1

Educational Standards

4.N.3:Represent and compare fractions and decimals in real-world and mathematical situations; use place value to understand decimal quantities. 4.N.3.1:Represent and rename equivalent fractions using fraction models (e.g., parts of a set, area models, fraction strips, number lines). 4.N.3.3:Use models to order and compare whole numbers and fractions less than and greater than one, using comparative language and symbols.

Teaching Materials

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