Fraction Fun: Comparing Unit Fractions

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 3:36 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to compare unit fractions (fractions with a 1 on top) by visualizing them and understanding the relationship between the denominator and the size of the fraction. We'll also explore comparing fractions with the same numerator.

Video Resource

Comparing unit fractions

Khan Academy

Duration: 3:36
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Unit fractions
  • Denominator size and fraction size
  • Visual representation of fractions

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to compare unit fractions using visual models.
  • Students will be able to explain the relationship between the size of the denominator and the size of the unit fraction.
  • Students will be able to compare fractions with the same numerator.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing what a fraction is and the roles of the numerator and denominator. Ask students what they know about comparing fractions. Introduce the concept of a unit fraction (a fraction with 1 as the numerator).
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video "Comparing unit fractions". Encourage students to pay close attention to how the fractions are visualized and compared.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through example problems similar to those in the video. Draw rectangles to represent wholes and divide them into equal parts to represent different unit fractions. Have students compare the sizes of the fractions. Include comparing fractions with the same numerator.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with worksheets or online activities where they can practice comparing unit fractions and fractions with the same numerator on their own. Encourage them to draw diagrams to help them visualize the fractions.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Ask students to summarize the relationship between the denominator and the size of a unit fraction. Answer any remaining questions.

Interactive Exercises

  • Fraction Comparison Game
    Use online fraction comparison tools or create a card game where students draw two fractions and have to determine which one is larger. They can use drawings or other strategies to justify their answers.
  • Fraction Strips
    Use fraction strips to visually compare different unit fractions. Students can line up the strips and see which fraction covers more area.

Discussion Questions

  • What is a unit fraction?
  • Why is 1/5 smaller than 1/3 even though 5 is bigger than 3?
  • How can drawing pictures help us compare fractions?
  • How does comparing 1/4 to 1/8 help us to understand the relative size of 3/4 to 3/8?

Skills Developed

  • Fraction comparison
  • Visual representation
  • Critical thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

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

Correct Answer: 1/2

Question 2:

Why is 1/8 smaller than 1/6?

Correct Answer: Because 8 is bigger than 6.

Question 3:

Which fraction is bigger, 2/5 or 2/8?

Correct Answer: 2/5

Question 4:

Imagine you have a pizza. Would you rather have 1/3 of the pizza or 1/4 of the pizza?

Correct Answer: 1/3

Question 5:

What happens to the size of a unit fraction when the denominator gets bigger?

Correct Answer: It gets smaller.

Question 6:

Which fraction is the biggest?

Correct Answer: 1/2

Question 7:

Which fraction is the smallest?

Correct Answer: 3/4

Question 8:

If you are comparing fractions with the same top number, which fraction is bigger?

Correct Answer: The one with the smaller bottom number

Question 9:

Which picture shows 1/3 being bigger than 1/5?

Correct Answer: A circle divided into 3 parts with 1 shaded and a circle divided into 5 parts with 1 shaded, the first shaded is bigger.

Question 10:

Which is bigger, 4/7 or 4/9?

Correct Answer: 4/7

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A fraction with a 1 on top is called a ______ fraction.

Correct Answer: unit

Question 2:

The bottom number of a fraction is called the ______.

Correct Answer: denominator

Question 3:

When the denominator gets bigger, the fraction gets ______.

Correct Answer: smaller

Question 4:

1/2 is ______ than 1/4.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 5:

Drawing ______ can help us compare fractions.

Correct Answer: pictures

Question 6:

3/5 is ______ than 3/8

Correct Answer: greater

Question 7:

The bigger the denominator, the _______ the pieces.

Correct Answer: smaller

Question 8:

A ______ is a number that shows a part of a whole.

Correct Answer: fraction

Question 9:

In the fraction 1/3, the 1 is called the ______.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 10:

2/3 is ______ than 2/5

Correct Answer: greater

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.3.9:Compare and order benchmark fractions (0, 1/2, 1/4, 1/3, 2/3, 3/4, 1) and decimals (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00) in a variety of representations.

Teaching Materials

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