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      Compare mixed numbers when the numerators of fractional parts are different

      I can compare and order mixed numbers when the whole is the same.

      Lesson 4 of 5
      New
      New
      • Year 4

      Compare mixed numbers when the numerators of fractional parts are different

      I can compare and order mixed numbers when the whole is the same.

      Lesson details

      Key learning points

      1. If mixed numbers have the same whole number parts, then the size of the fractional parts determines the greater number.
      2. When we compare fractions that have the same denominator, the greater the numerator, the greater the fraction.
      3. Knowledge of comparing proper fractions can help when comparing mixed numbers.

      Keywords

      • Mixed number - A mixed number is a whole number and a fraction combined.

      Common misconception

      Children may compare the fractional part of the mixed number first rather than the more significant whole number part.

      What do you notice? If the whole number is the same, we need to look at the fractional part. If the denominators are the same, we need to compare the numerators - the smaller the numerator the smaller the fraction.

      Support children to make connections between the ordering and comparing of mixed numbers and ordering and comparing of proper fractions that have the same denominator. Children need to understand, that with mixed numbers, the whole number part is the most significant part.
      Teacher tip

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Starting with the smallest, put these numbers in order.

      1 - 99
      2 - 999
      3 - 1,000
      4 - 1,001
      5 - 9,999

      Q2.
      Which fraction shows how much of the bar has been shaded?

      An image in a quiz
      $$ {2} \over {6}$$
      $$ {6} \over {2}$$
      Correct answer: $$ {6} \over {8}$$
      $$ {8} \over {6}$$

      Q3.
      Look at the part-part-whole model. What is the value of the whole number part of this mixed number?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 9

      Q4.
      Using the number line to compare the size of the numbers, complete the sentence using ‘greater’ or ‘smaller’: $$1{{2} \over {7}}$$ is __________ than $$2{{3} \over {7}}$$

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: smaller

      Q5.
      Which symbol makes this statement true? 3 ___ $$3{{3} \over {5}}$$

      Correct answer: <
      >
      =

      Q6.
      Look at these numbers. Which is the smallest?

      $$6{{1} \over {7}}$$
      Correct answer: $$1{{3} \over {7}}$$
      2
      $$2{{2} \over {8}}$$
      4

      Assessment exit quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Look at these representations of fractions and complete the sentence using ‘greater’ or ‘smaller’: $$ {2} \over {6}$$ is than $$ {4} \over {6}$$

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: smaller

      Q2.
      Which symbol makes this statement true? $$ {2} \over {9}$$ ___ $$ {5} \over {9}$$

      Correct answer: <
      >
      =

      Q3.
      Starting with the smallest, put these numbers in order.

      1 - 0
      2 - $$ {10} \over {20}$$
      3 - $$ {12} \over {20}$$
      4 - $$ {15} \over {20}$$
      5 - $$ {17} \over {20}$$
      6 - 1

      Q4.
      Which symbol makes this statement true? $$9{{6} \over {8}}$$ ___ $$9{{2} \over {8}}$$

      <
      Correct answer: >
      =

      Q5.
      Starting with the smallest, put these numbers in order.

      1 - 4
      2 - $$4{{1} \over {10}}$$
      3 - $$4{{6} \over {10}}$$
      4 - $$4{{7} \over {10}}$$
      5 - $$4{{9} \over {10}}$$
      6 - 5

      Q6.
      Andeep has spilt his drink on his homework. What must the missing digit be?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 6

      Lesson appears in

      UnitMaths / Compare and order mixed numbers and position on a number line