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Year 6

Explain how to compare pairs of non-related fractions using fraction sense

I can explain how to compare pairs of non-related fractions using fraction sense.

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New
New
Year 6

Explain how to compare pairs of non-related fractions using fraction sense

I can explain how to compare pairs of non-related fractions using fraction sense.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In fractions equivalent to a whole, the numerator is the same as the denominator.
  2. The size of the denominator tells you the size of one part of the whole.
  3. The greater the denominator, the smaller the parts of the whole.
  4. The smaller the denominator, the smaller the parts of the whole.

Keywords

  • Magnitude - The magnitude of something refers to the size of something.

Common misconception

Pupils automatically want to compare fractions using common denominators, following a procedure to convert fractions to an equivalent with the same denominator.

Spend time looking at a variety of examples that can be reasoned about without the need to convert to common denominators. It can be helpful to represent these examples using bar model help discuss the relationships between the whole and its parts.


To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Explain how to compare pairs of non-related fractions using fraction sense, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Do not feel that you have to jump into and stay within the abstract symbolic representations of fractions to compare. Pupils should be encouraged to move between representations to help build their fractional sense and should be encouraged the visualise these fractions wherever possible.
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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Tick the fractions greater than one half.
Correct answer: $$ {3} \over {4}$$
$$ {2} \over {7}$$
Correct answer: $$ {2} \over {3}$$
Correct answer: $$ {8} \over {14}$$
$$ {4} \over {10}$$
Q2.
Two or more fractions can only be compared when:
they have the same denominator.
they have the same numerator.
Correct answer: they have the same size whole.
they have different-sized wholes.
Q3.
Which letter represents the best estimate for where one-fifth sits on the number line?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: a
b
c
d
Q4.
Order the fractions from largest to smallest.
1 - $$ {6} \over {8}$$
2 - $$ {3} \over {6}$$
3 - $$ {4} \over {9}$$
Q5.
Use the correct symbol to compare: $$ {4} \over {8}$$ ___ $$ {3} \over {10}$$
<
Correct answer: >
=
Q6.
Use the correct symbol to compare: $$ 1 {{1} \over {5}}$$ ___ $$ 1 {{1} \over {6}}$$
<
Correct answer: >
=

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
The magnitude of a fraction can also be known as the of a fraction.
Correct Answer: size
Q2.
Compare these two fractions: $$ {2} \over {6}$$ ___ $$ {4} \over {6}$$
Correct answer: <
>
=
Q3.
Compare these two fractions: $$ {3} \over {7}$$ ___ $$ {3} \over {9}$$
<
Correct answer: >
=
Q4.
Compare these two fractions: $$ {2} \over {3}$$ ___ $$ {3} \over {7}$$
<
Correct answer: >
=
Q5.
Compare these two fractions: $$ {5} \over {6}$$ ___ $$ {9} \over {10}$$
Correct answer: <
>
=
Q6.
Compare these two fractions: $$ {5} \over {7}$$ ___ $$ {7} \over {9}$$
Correct answer: <
>
=