Explain the relationship between numerators and denominators in equivalent fractions
I can explain the relationship between the numerators and denominators in equivalent fractions
Explain the relationship between numerators and denominators in equivalent fractions
I can explain the relationship between the numerators and denominators in equivalent fractions
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Equivalent fractions share the same multiplicative relationship between the numerator and denominator.
- If a fraction is equivalent to a half, the numerator will be half the value of the denominator.
- If a fraction is equivalent to fifth, the denominator will be 5 times the value of the numerator.
Keywords
Numerator - The numerator is the top number in a fraction and shows how many parts we have.
Denominator - The denominator is the bottom number in a fraction and shows how many equal parts the whole has been divided into.
Equivalent fraction - Equivalent fractions are fractions which have the same value, even though they may look different.
Common misconception
Children do not always see the link between the numerator and the denominator in equivalent fractions. This lesson highlights that link and the fact that the proportion of the whole is the same.
Use the stem sentences and generalisations in the lesson to describe the fractions and to relate them to the representations used.
To help you plan your year 5 maths lesson on: Explain the relationship between numerators and denominators in equivalent fractions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 maths lesson on: Explain the relationship between numerators and denominators in equivalent fractions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Comparing fractions using equivalence and decimals unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions



1 is the same proportion of 2 as -
2 is of 4
1 is the same proportion of 3 as -
2 is of 6
1 is the same proportion of 4 as -
2 is of 8
1 is the same proportion of 5 as -
2 is of 10
Exit quiz
6 Questions





The numerator -
increases by 1 each time.
The denominator -
is always a multiple of 4
The numerator is -
the top number in the fraction.
The denominator is -
the bottom number in the fraction.

Fractions equivalent to $${1}\over{5}$$ -
The denominator is 5 times the value of the numerator.
Fractions equivalent to $${1}\over{3}$$ -
The denominator is 3 times the value of the numerator.
Fractions equivalent to $${1}\over{4}$$ -
The denominator is 4 times the value of the numerator.
Fractions equivalent to $${1}\over{6}$$ -
The denominator is 6 times the value of the numerator.