Fraction Face-Off: Comparing Fractions with Symbols!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 5:19 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to compare fractions using greater than, less than, and equal to symbols. We'll use pictures to help us see which fraction is bigger!

Video Resource

Comparing fractions with greater than and less than symbols | Fractions | Pre-Algebra | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 5:19
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Fractions represent parts of a whole.
  • The numerator is the top number of a fraction and tells how many parts we have.
  • The denominator is the bottom number of a fraction and tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
  • Greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=) symbols help us compare fractions.
  • Visual models (like shaded shapes) can help us compare fractions.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the numerator and denominator of a fraction.
  • Students will be able to compare two fractions using visual models.
  • Students will be able to use the greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=) symbols to correctly compare fractions.
  • Students will be able to compare fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing what a fraction is (a part of a whole). Ask students for examples of fractions they see in everyday life (e.g., half a cookie, a quarter of a pizza). Introduce the terms numerator and denominator and explain what they represent. Show the Khan Academy video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OKTrN0uT-Q).
  • Guided Practice (15 mins)
    After watching the video, work through examples together on the board. Draw two identical rectangles and divide them into different numbers of equal parts (e.g., one into fourths, the other into sixths). Shade different amounts in each rectangle (e.g., 2/4 and 3/6). Ask students which fraction is larger and how they can tell from the pictures. Introduce the greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=) symbols. Write number sentences using the fractions and symbols (e.g., 2/4 = 3/6).
  • Independent Practice (15 mins)
    Provide students with worksheets containing similar fraction comparison problems. They should draw their own visual models (rectangles, circles, etc.) to help them compare the fractions and then write number sentences using the correct symbols. Offer assistance as needed.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Ask students to explain in their own words how to compare fractions using visual models and symbols. Collect the worksheets for assessment.

Interactive Exercises

  • Fraction Comparison Game
    Use online fraction comparison games or create flashcards with pairs of fractions. Students take turns comparing the fractions and saying whether the first fraction is greater than, less than, or equal to the second fraction.

Discussion Questions

  • What does the numerator of a fraction tell us?
  • What does the denominator of a fraction tell us?
  • How can drawing pictures help us compare fractions?
  • How do you know which symbol to use when comparing fractions?

Skills Developed

  • Fraction recognition and understanding
  • Visual representation of fractions
  • Comparing fractions
  • Using greater than, less than, and equal to symbols
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which symbol means 'greater than'?

Correct Answer: >

Question 2:

Which fraction is bigger: 1/2 or 1/4?

Correct Answer: 1/2

Question 3:

Which symbol goes between 2/3 and 1/3 to make the statement true?

Correct Answer: >

Question 4:

What is the top number of a fraction called?

Correct Answer: Numerator

Question 5:

What is the bottom number of a fraction called?

Correct Answer: Denominator

Question 6:

Which fraction is bigger: 3/4 or 2/4?

Correct Answer: 3/4

Question 7:

Which symbol means 'less than'?

Correct Answer: <

Question 8:

What does the denominator tell us?

Correct Answer: How many equal parts the whole is divided into

Question 9:

Which fraction is smaller: 2/5 or 4/5?

Correct Answer: 2/5

Question 10:

Which symbol goes between 1/2 and 1/2 to make the statement true?

Correct Answer: =

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The top number of a fraction is called the ___________.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 2:

The bottom number of a fraction is called the ___________.

Correct Answer: denominator

Question 3:

The symbol > means ___________.

Correct Answer: greater than

Question 4:

The symbol < means ___________.

Correct Answer: less than

Question 5:

The symbol = means ___________.

Correct Answer: equal to

Question 6:

1/4 is ___________ than 3/4 (greater than/less than)

Correct Answer: less than

Question 7:

When fractions have the same denominator, the fraction with the bigger ___________ is larger.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 8:

3/6 is ___________ to 1/2 (equal/not equal)

Correct Answer: equal

Question 9:

5/8 is ___________ than 2/8.

Correct Answer: greater than

Question 10:

2/3 ___________ 1/3. Use >,<, or =.

Correct Answer: >

Educational Standards

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. 4.N.3.1:Represent and rename equivalent fractions using fraction models (e.g., parts of a set, area models, fraction strips, number lines).

Teaching Materials

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