Fraction Frenzy: Comparing Fractions Visually and on a Number Line!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 4:43 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to compare fractions using number lines and visual models! Discover which fractions are bigger, smaller, or even equal!

Video Resource

Comparing fractions visually and on number line | 3rd grade | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 4:43
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Fractions represent parts of a whole.
  • Equivalent fractions have the same value, even though they may look different.
  • Fractions can be compared using number lines and visual models.
  • A number line helps compare fractions by showing their position relative to each other.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to represent fractions on a number line.
  • Students will be able to use visual models (area models) to represent fractions.
  • Students will be able to compare fractions and determine if they are equal, greater than, or less than each other.
  • Students will be able to identify equivalent fractions using both number lines and visual models.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about fractions. Review the basic concept of a fraction as a part of a whole. Show the YouTube video: 'Comparing fractions visually and on number line | 3rd grade | Khan Academy'. Pause at different points during the video to allow for discussion and questions.
  • Number Line Representation (15 mins)
    After watching the first part of the video, focus on the number line representation. Draw a number line on the board and label 0 and 1. Guide students in dividing the number line into equal sections to represent different fractions (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Have students practice plotting fractions on the number line. Discuss how the position of a fraction on the number line indicates its value.
  • Visual Models (Area Models) (15 mins)
    Transition to visual models, like the rectangles in the video. Draw several identical rectangles on the board. Divide each rectangle into different numbers of equal sections (2, 4, 8). Shade in portions of each rectangle to represent fractions (1/2, 2/4, 4/8, 3/8). Discuss how the shaded area represents the fraction. Have students compare the shaded areas to determine which fraction is larger or if they are equivalent.
  • Comparing Fractions (10 mins)
    Lead a discussion on how to compare fractions using both number lines and visual models. Emphasize that fractions with the same denominator are easier to compare. Explain how equivalent fractions occupy the same point on the number line and have the same shaded area in visual models. Work through example problems together as a class.
  • Practice Activity (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet that includes a variety of fraction comparison problems. Have students use both number lines and visual models to solve the problems. Encourage students to work together and discuss their reasoning.

Interactive Exercises

  • Fraction Sort
    Create a set of fraction cards. Have students sort the cards into groups of equivalent fractions. Students can then arrange the groups in order from least to greatest.
  • Number Line Race
    Divide students into teams. Draw a large number line on the board. Call out a series of fractions and have students race to plot them correctly on the number line.

Discussion Questions

  • What is a fraction and what does it represent?
  • How can a number line help you compare fractions?
  • How can a visual model help you compare fractions?
  • What does it mean for two fractions to be equivalent?
  • Can you think of real-life examples where comparing fractions is important?

Skills Developed

  • Representing fractions visually and on a number line
  • Comparing fractions
  • Identifying equivalent fractions
  • Problem-solving
  • Visual representation of fractions

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which fraction is the smallest?

Correct Answer: 1/8

Question 2:

Which of these fractions is equal to 1/2?

Correct Answer: 2/4

Question 3:

On a number line, where is 1/2 located between?

Correct Answer: 0 and 1

Question 4:

Which visual model best represents 1/4?

Correct Answer: One part shaded out of four equal parts.

Question 5:

Which fraction is bigger, 2/8 or 4/8?

Correct Answer: 4/8

Question 6:

Which shows an equivalent fraction for 3/6?

Correct Answer: 1/2

Question 7:

If you divide a shape into 8 equal parts and shade 2, what fraction is shaded?

Correct Answer: 2/8

Question 8:

Which fraction is closest to 1 on a number line?

Correct Answer: 3/4

Question 9:

Which of the following is NOT an equivalent fraction to 4/8?

Correct Answer: 1/4

Question 10:

Which of these fractions represents more than one half?

Correct Answer: 4/6

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Fractions show parts of a ____.

Correct Answer: whole

Question 2:

Fractions that are the same amount are called ______ fractions.

Correct Answer: equivalent

Question 3:

A ________ line can help you to compare fractions.

Correct Answer: number

Question 4:

Dividing a circle into four equal parts means each part is a ________.

Correct Answer: quarter

Question 5:

2/4 is equal to 1/____.

Correct Answer: 2

Question 6:

When comparing fractions with the same bottom number, the fraction with the bigger top number is _________.

Correct Answer: larger

Question 7:

4/8 of a pizza is the same as _________ of the pizza.

Correct Answer: half

Question 8:

A drawing that shows fractions by shading parts of shapes is called a _________ model.

Correct Answer: visual

Question 9:

When you cut something into 8 equal parts, each part is one _________.

Correct Answer: eighth

Question 10:

3/8 is _________ than 1/2.

Correct Answer: smaller

Educational Standards

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. 4.N.3.2:Use benchmark fractions (0, 1/2, 1/4, 1/3, 2/3, 3/4, 1) to locate additional fractions with denominators up to twelfths on a number line.

Teaching Materials

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