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Explain that non-unit fractions are made of more than one unit fraction

I can explain that non-unit fractions are made of more than one unit fraction.

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Year 3

Explain that non-unit fractions are made of more than one unit fraction

I can explain that non-unit fractions are made of more than one unit fraction.

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Key learning points

A non-unit fraction has a numerator greater than 1; it is composed of more than one unit fraction.
We say, 'the whole has been divided into ___ equal parts, and I have ___ of them'.
Dual language of 'five-sixths' and 'five one-sixths' can be used to describe non-unit fractions.
When describing a fraction of the whole, the whole could be a shape, a line or a group of objects.

Keywords

Non-unit fraction - A non-unit fraction has a numerator greater than 1

Common misconception

Pupils may not recognise the total number of equal parts that make up the whole and may instead just count the number they have / are shaded for example.

Encourage pupils to count the total number of equal parts that make up the whole and then the number that are shaded. Stress that the denominator shows the number of equal parts that make up the whole and that the numerator shows the number we have.

Pupils make the link between unit and non-unit fractions, understanding, for example, that seven one-tenths are equal to seven tenths. Pupils should explore this with area, linear and quantity models. One-tenth is a division commonly used in measurements and is worth exploring in context further.

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