Fraction Face-Off: Comparing Fractions with the Same Denominator

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 3:10 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to compare fractions that have the same denominator using pictures and without pictures! Discover which fraction is bigger and why.

Video Resource

Comparing fractions with the same denominator | Math | 3rd grade | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 3:10
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Fractions represent parts of a whole.
  • The denominator indicates how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
  • When fractions have the same denominator, the fraction with the larger numerator represents a larger portion of the whole.
  • Visual models help in understanding and comparing fractions.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to compare two fractions with the same denominator using visual models.
  • Students will be able to compare two fractions with the same denominator without using visual models.
  • Students will be able to use the symbols > (greater than) and < (less than) correctly when comparing fractions.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing what a fraction represents (part of a whole). Ask students for examples of fractions they see in their everyday lives (e.g., half a cookie, a quarter of a pizza). Briefly discuss the roles of the numerator and denominator.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video "Comparing fractions with the same denominator | Math | 3rd grade | Khan Academy." Encourage students to pay close attention to how the fractions are represented visually and how the comparison is explained.
  • Guided Practice with Visuals (10 mins)
    Draw two rectangles on the board. Divide each into the same number of equal parts (e.g., 6). Shade a different number of parts in each rectangle (e.g., 2/6 and 4/6). Guide students to identify which fraction is larger and why. Model the correct use of the < and > symbols.
  • Independent Practice without Visuals (10 mins)
    Write pairs of fractions with the same denominator on the board (e.g., 5/10 and 7/10, 1/3 and 2/3). Have students compare the fractions and write the correct inequality (using < or >) in their notebooks. Circulate to provide support as needed.
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (8 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Have students share their strategies for comparing fractions with the same denominator. Administer the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Fraction Bars Comparison
    Provide students with pre-made fraction bars or have them create their own. Present pairs of fractions with the same denominator and ask them to use the fraction bars to compare them. Students can then write the comparison using the < or > symbol.
  • Online Fraction Comparison Game
    Use an online interactive game or activity where students compare fractions with the same denominator. Many educational websites offer free resources for this purpose.

Discussion Questions

  • What does the denominator of a fraction tell us?
  • When comparing fractions with the same denominator, how do we know which fraction is bigger?
  • Can you think of a real-life situation where you might need to compare fractions?
  • How do pictures or models help us compare fractions?

Skills Developed

  • Fraction comparison
  • Visual representation of fractions
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

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

Correct Answer: 4/5

Question 2:

Which symbol means 'less than'?

Correct Answer: <

Question 3:

Which fraction is smaller: 7/8 or 3/8?

Correct Answer: 3/8

Question 4:

What does the denominator of a fraction tell you?

Correct Answer: How many total parts there are

Question 5:

What does the numerator of a fraction tell you?

Correct Answer: How many parts are shaded

Question 6:

Which is true: 1/4 _ 3/4

Correct Answer: <

Question 7:

Which is bigger, 6/10 or 2/10?

Correct Answer: 6/10

Question 8:

What do you call the bottom number in a fraction?

Correct Answer: Denominator

Question 9:

Which sign shows 'greater than'?

Correct Answer: >

Question 10:

Which is smaller: 8/9 or 5/9?

Correct Answer: 5/9

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:

When comparing 2/7 and 5/7, the bigger fraction is ______.

Correct Answer: 5/7

Question 4:

The symbol '<' means ________ than.

Correct Answer: less

Question 5:

The symbol '>' means ________ than.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 6:

When the denominators are the same, we compare the ___________ to see which fraction is bigger.

Correct Answer: numerators

Question 7:

3/5 is _________ than 1/5 (greater/less)

Correct Answer: greater

Question 8:

1/8 is __________ than 5/8 (greater/less)

Correct Answer: less

Question 9:

To compare fractions with the same denominator, you only compare the _________.

Correct Answer: numerators

Question 10:

In the fraction 4/9, the denominator is _________.

Correct Answer: 9

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.3.5:Use models to add and subtract fractions with like denominators. 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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