Fraction Frenzy: Comparing Fractions with the Same Numerator

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 3:46 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to compare fractions that have the same numerator using visuals and reasoning. Understand which fraction represents a larger portion of a whole.

Video Resource

Comparing fractions with same numerator | Math | 3rd grade | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 3:46
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Fractions represent parts of a whole.
  • The denominator indicates how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
  • When numerators are the same, a smaller denominator means larger individual pieces.
  • Comparing fractions with the same numerator.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to compare two fractions with the same numerator using visual models.
  • Students will be able to compare two fractions with the same numerator using reasoning about the size of the fractional parts.
  • Students will be able to explain why a fraction with a smaller denominator is larger when the numerators are the same.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing what a fraction represents (part of a whole). Ask students to share examples of fractions they see in everyday life (e.g., half a pizza, a quarter of an hour).
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Comparing fractions with same numerator | Math | 3rd grade | Khan Academy'. Instruct students to pay close attention to how the fractions are represented visually and how the narrator explains the comparison.
  • Guided Practice with Visuals (10 mins)
    Draw two equal-sized rectangles on the board. Guide students through comparing 2/3 and 2/5 by dividing the rectangles accordingly and shading the correct number of parts. Emphasize that with the same number of shaded parts (numerator), the fraction with fewer total parts (smaller denominator) has larger pieces.
  • Guided Practice without Visuals (8 mins)
    Present pairs of fractions with the same numerator (e.g., 3/4 and 3/8). Ask students to explain which fraction is larger *without* drawing a picture. Encourage them to explain their reasoning, focusing on the idea that smaller denominators mean larger pieces.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing similar fraction comparison problems. Have them use drawings or explanations to justify their answers.

Interactive Exercises

  • Fraction Circles
    Provide pre-cut fraction circles. Students compare fractions with the same numerator by physically placing the fraction pieces on top of each other. E.g., compare 3/4 and 3/8. They can visually see that 3/4 covers a larger area.
  • Number Line Comparison
    Draw a number line from 0 to 1. Have students place different fractions with the same numerator (e.g., 2/3, 2/4, 2/5) on the number line to visually compare their sizes.

Discussion Questions

  • What does the numerator of a fraction tell us?
  • What does the denominator of a fraction tell us?
  • When comparing fractions with the same numerator, why is the fraction with the smaller denominator larger?
  • Can you think of a time when you have to compare fractions in your daily life?

Skills Developed

  • Fraction comparison
  • Visual representation
  • Logical reasoning
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

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

Correct Answer: 2/5

Question 2:

Which fraction represents a larger piece of a cake if you have 3 pieces: 3/4 or 3/6?

Correct Answer: 3/4

Question 3:

Which sign makes the statement true: 4/7 ___ 4/9?

Correct Answer: >

Question 4:

What does the denominator of a fraction tell you?

Correct Answer: The total number of parts

Question 5:

What does the numerator of a fraction tell you?

Correct Answer: The number of parts you have

Question 6:

You have two pizzas. One is cut into 6 slices and you eat 5. The other is cut into 8 slices and you eat 5. From which pizza did you eat more?

Correct Answer: Pizza cut into 6 slices

Question 7:

Which of these fractions is the smallest: 7/10, 7/12, 7/8, 7/9?

Correct Answer: 7/12

Question 8:

You have 3/5 of a candy bar and your friend has 3/10 of the same candy bar. Who has more?

Correct Answer: You

Question 9:

Which fraction is greater: 6/11 or 6/13?

Correct Answer: 6/11

Question 10:

Which sign makes the statement true: 1/3 ___ 1/5?

Correct Answer: >

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Fractions are parts of a ________.

Correct Answer: whole

Question 2:

The ________ tells you how many equal parts are in the whole.

Correct Answer: denominator

Question 3:

The ________ tells you how many parts you have.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 4:

When comparing fractions with the same numerator, the fraction with the ________ denominator is larger.

Correct Answer: smaller

Question 5:

3/4 is ________ than 3/8.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 6:

When the numerators are the same, smaller denominators mean __________ individual pieces.

Correct Answer: larger

Question 7:

2/5 is ________ than 2/3.

Correct Answer: less

Question 8:

In the fraction 4/7, the 4 is the __________.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 9:

In the fraction 1/2, the 2 is the __________.

Correct Answer: denominator

Question 10:

If you cut a cake into 8 pieces and eat 3, you ate ________ of the cake.

Correct Answer: 3/8

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.3.2: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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