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Use representations to describe and compare two fractions

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can use representations to describe and compare two fractions.

Key learning points

  1. When you compare two fractions, the whole must be the same.
  2. Use representations of sets of objects to divide them into equal parts.
  3. Count how many objects are in the number of parts needed.
  4. The whole has been divided into __ equal parts and you have __ of them.

Keywords

  • Divided - When something is divided, it is split into equal parts or groups.

  • Equal parts - Equal parts can be combine to make a whole.

Common misconception

Children may think that fractions that look different cannot represent the same part of a whole. They may also still think that a bigger denominator means a bigger fraction.

Give plenty of opportunity to use manipulatives and representations to show sets and groups of objects divided in different ways so that they see practically that the same part of a whole can be described and represented by different fractions.

Teacher tip

Use cubes or counters in the lesson to allow children to engage with the activities practically to build their understanding of different fractions labelling the same part of a whole and sitting at the same position on a number line.

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.
Which arrow shows $${1}\over{4}$$ on this number line?

An image in a quiz
a
Correct answer: b
c

Q2.
Which fraction best labels where the arrow points on this number line?

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: $${1}\over{3}$$
$${1}\over{2}$$
$${1}\over{5}$$

Q3.
Which of these fractions could go between the two marked on the number line?

An image in a quiz
$${1}\over{5}$$
$${1}\over{6}$$
Correct answer: $${1}\over{3}$$
$${1}\over{10}$$

Q4.
$${1}\over{4}$$ of 12 is equal to

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: 3, three

Q5.
$${1}\over{3}$$ of 12 is equal to

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: 4, four

Q6.
Match the letters on the number line with the fractions that would sit in that position.

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer:a,$${1}\over{4}$$

$${1}\over{4}$$

Correct Answer:b,$${1}\over{3}$$

$${1}\over{3}$$

Correct Answer:c,$${1}\over{2}$$

$${1}\over{2}$$

Correct Answer:d,$${3}\over{4}$$

$${3}\over{4}$$

6 Questions

Q1.
Which image shows that $${1}\over{2}$$ = $${4}\over{8}$$

An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

Q2.
Which fractions are represented by this image?

An image in a quiz
$${1}\over{2}$$
$${1}\over{3}$$
Correct answer: $${1}\over{4}$$
Correct answer: $${2}\over{8}$$

Q3.
How would you describe the position of $${2}\over{12}$$ on this number line?

An image in a quiz
Close to 1 whole
Correct answer: Close to zero
Correct answer: Between 0 and $${1}\over{2}$$
Close to $${1}\over{2}$$

Q4.
Which letter best represents the position of $${8}\over{12}$$ on this number line?

An image in a quiz
a
b
Correct answer: c
d

Q5.
Which images show that $${1}\over{4}$$ of the counters are black?

Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

Q6.
Which of these fractions could go at point a on the number line?

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: $${2}\over{8}$$
$${1}\over{3}$$
Correct answer: $${1}\over{4}$$
$${2}\over{4}$$

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