Use fraction notation to describe an equal part of the whole

I can use fraction notation to describe an equal part of the whole.

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Year 3

Use fraction notation to describe an equal part of the whole

I can use fraction notation to describe an equal part of the whole.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

The whole has been divided (division bar).
The whole has been divided into __ equal parts (denominator).
One of the parts has been shaded (numerator).

Keywords

Fraction - A fraction shows us how many equal parts in a whole.
Division bar - The division bar is the horizontal line separating the two values in a fraction.
Denominator - A denominator is the bottom number in a fraction. It shows how many parts a whole has been divided into.
Numerator - A numerator is the top number in a fraction. It shows how many parts we have.

Common misconception

Children will often think that the denominator is just how many parts a whole has been divided into and forget that the parts must be equal.

If some children are struggling with this then get them to spot examples and non-examples drawn quickly on whiteboards. You can also make connections with sharing food with siblings/friends fairly. Some might endure 'one cuts, one chooses' at home.

Get into the habit of writing fraction notation in the order suggested on the slides: division bar, denominator, numerator. This will help children to conceptualise the notation more easily and strengthens their understanding of a fraction being a special relationship between part and whole.

Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).