Solve problems involving comparing and ordering unit fractions in a range of contexts

I can solve problems involving comparing and ordering unit fractions in a range of contexts.

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Year 3

Solve problems involving comparing and ordering unit fractions in a range of contexts

I can solve problems involving comparing and ordering unit fractions in a range of contexts.

Download all resources

Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

When comparing unit fractions, the greater the denominator, the smaller the fraction.
When comparing unit fractions, the smaller the denominator, the larger the fraction.
Equal parts may not look the same.

Common misconception

When looking at fraction notation, children might still be prone to considering the greater denominator to signify a greater fraction.

Get the whole class on board with reminding one another that the greater the denominator, the smaller the fraction. You can model this by making this mistake as you teach and the children can call you out on it - they will enjoy that!

Keywords

Whole - The whole is all of a group or number.
Part - A part is a section of the whole.
Denominator - A denominator is the bottom number in a fraction. It shows how many parts a whole has been divided into.
Unit fraction - A unit fraction is a fraction where the numerator is 1

Children struggling with fraction grids can be scaffolded by using a smaller 2 x 2 grid to support their understanding. For those who grasp the concept more quickly, grids can be extended to 4 x 4

Teacher tip

Licence

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