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      Use knowledge of non-unit fractions to solve problems

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use knowledge of non-unit fractions to solve problems.

      Key learning points

      1. The whole has been divided (division bar).
      2. The whole has been divided into ___ equal parts (denominator).
      3. A number of the parts have been selected (numerator).
      4. Fractions can be represented in different ways.

      Keywords

      • Denominator - A denominator is the bottom number written in a fraction.

      • Numerator - A numerator is the top number written in a fraction.

      Common misconception

      Pupils may struggle to see the 'whole'. If several sets are presented together (e.g. different types of fruit in a bowl), is the whole the sum of all the sets or just one of them?

      Encourage children to identify the noun they are finding a fraction of. Is it the apples or bananas, the pandas with hats on or without. From there, they can then go on to identify the part they are being asked to find e.g. the bananas in the bowl.

      Teacher tip

      In this lesson, pupils look at fractions presented in different ways. They will see the same fraction presented as the area of a shape, in a linear model and as a number of objects. When finding a fraction, encourage the pupils to find the number of parts that the whole has been divided into first.

      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 of these sentences is correct?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: five-eighths of the shape is shaded
      the parts are unequal
      four-eighths of the shape is shaded

      Q2.
      Which of these sentences is correct?

      An image in a quiz
      four-eighths of the shape is unshaded
      Correct answer: three-eighths of the shape is unshaded
      five-eighths of the shape is unshaded

      Q3.
      Which of these statements are true?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: There are eight equal parts.
      Correct answer: $$ \frac{7}{8} $$ is shaded.
      Correct answer: $$ \frac{1}{8} $$ is unshaded.
      $$ \frac{1}{8} $$ is shaded.

      Q4.
      What fraction of frogs are on the lily pad?

      An image in a quiz
      $$ \frac{7}{2} $$
      $$ \frac{2}{8} $$
      Correct answer: $$ \frac{2}{7} $$
      $$ \frac{2}{5} $$

      Q5.
      Sofia works out the fraction of shapes that are shaded. What would the denominator of her fraction be?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 6, six

      Q6.
      Jacob works out the fraction of shapes that have an even number of sides. What would the numerator of his fraction be?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 4, four

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Jacob works out the fraction of the shape that is shaded. What would the denominator be?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 7, seven

      Q2.
      Jacob works out the fraction of the shape that is shaded. What would the numerator be?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 5, five

      Q3.
      What fraction of this shape is shaded?

      An image in a quiz
      $$ \frac{7}{9} $$
      $$ \frac{4}{9} $$
      Correct answer: $$ \frac{5}{9} $$
      $$ \frac{9}{5} $$

      Q4.
      What fraction of the pizza has been eaten?

      An image in a quiz
      $$ \frac{1}{5} $$
      Correct answer: $$ \frac{4}{5} $$
      $$ \frac{5}{4} $$
      $$ \frac{4}{6} $$

      Q5.
      What fraction of bananas are in the bowl?

      An image in a quiz
      $$ \frac{1}{5} $$
      $$ \frac{2}{5} $$
      Correct answer: $$ \frac{3}{5} $$
      $$ \frac{3}{4} $$

      Q6.
      What fraction of fruit is in the bowl?

      An image in a quiz
      $$ \frac{5}{6} $$
      $$ \frac{8}{10} $$
      Correct answer: $$ \frac{8}{11} $$
      $$ \frac{5}{8} $$

      To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Use knowledge of non-unit fractions to solve problems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...