Comparing Fractions

Comparing Fractions

Common Core State Standards:

4.NF.2 Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, e.g., by creating common denominators or numerators, or by comparing to a benchmark fraction such as 1/2.  Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

Essential Vocabulary:

·        

·         Reason

·         Denominator

·         Numerator

·         Decomposing

·         Mixed number

Operations

·         Greater than

·         Greater less

·         Fraction

·         Unit fraction

·         Equivalent/equal

·         Multiple/multiply

 

Unit Overview:

In this unit, students will apply their understanding of fractions to compare fractions by using visual models or finding common denominators or numerators.  In addition, students need to use the following symbols to help compare fractions: >, =, <.   *Students’ focus should be on visual models NOT on algorithms.       


Strategies/Skills:

Students will build on their understanding of fractions from 3rd grade to make sense of larger fractions when adding, subtracting and equivalence. They are expected to use a variety of models to support their reasoning about numbers.

·         Fraction bars

·         Number Line

 

Video Support:

Video support can be found on The WCPSS Academics YouTube Channel.

·         http://tinyurl.com/WCPSSAcademicsYouTube 

o   Comparing Fractions 1

o   Comparing Fractions 2

Video support can be found on LearnZillion.

·         http://learnzillion.com

o   Compare fractions using the benchmark fraction 1/2

https://learnzillion.com/student/lessons/1431-compare-fractions-using-the-benchmark-fraction-1-2

o   Compare fractions using the benchmark of one whole

https://learnzillion.com/student/lessons/1432-compare-fractions-using-the-benchmark-of-one-whole

o   Compare fractions with different denominators using a number line

https://learnzillion.com/student/lessons/1433-compare-fractions-with-different-denominators-using-number-lines

o   Compare fractions by creating common denominators

https://learnzillion.com/student/lessons/1436-compare-fractions-by-creating-common-denominators

o   Use a number line to represent a fraction greater than one

https://learnzillion.com/student/lessons/1437-use-a-number-line-to-represent-a-fraction-greater-than-one