A focused Grade 4 learning session for Comparing Fractions using visual models, worked examples, strategy guidance, and a short mastery check.
Student goal: I can compare two fractions and justify my comparison.
Comparing Fractions means using equal parts, number lines, and clear fraction language to describe parts of a whole.
Question: Look at the fraction bars below. Which comparison is correct?
Why it works: The bars show us! The blue bar for \(\frac{3}{4}\) is longer than the coral bar for \(\frac{2}{4}\). Bigger shaded area means bigger fraction.
Answer: \(\frac{3}{4}>\frac{2}{4}\)
Question: Where should \(\frac{2}{6}\) be placed on the number line?
Answer: At \(\frac{1}{3}\)
Question: Three fractions are shown on the number line. Which is closest to 1?
Answer: \(\frac{3}{4}\)
Question: A recipe uses \(\frac{3}{4}\) cup of flour and \(\frac{2}{3}\) cup of sugar. Which amount is greater?
Why it works: Find common denominator 12: \(\frac{3}{4}=\frac{9}{12}\) and \(\frac{2}{3}=\frac{8}{12}\). Since \(9>8\), \(\frac{3}{4}\) cup of flour is greater.
Answer: \(\frac{3}{4}\)
Comparing Fractions becomes easier when students connect the question to a model, use clear steps, and explain why the answer fits.
Equal parts first, fraction name second.
Use scratch paper. The explanation matters more than simply seeing whether the choice is correct.
Which comparison is correct?
Answer C: \(\frac{2}{3}>\frac{1}{2}\)
To compare, find a common denominator: \(\frac{2}{3}=\frac{4}{6}\) and \(\frac{1}{2}=\frac{3}{6}\). Since \(4>3\), we have \(\frac{2}{3}>\frac{1}{2}\).
Compare: \(\frac{1}{4}\) and \(\frac{3}{4}\).
Answer D: \(\frac{1}{4}<\frac{3}{4}\)
Same denominators? Just compare the numerators! Since \(1<3\), \(\frac{1}{4}<\frac{3}{4}\).
Which inequality is true?
Answer D: \(\frac{5}{8}<\frac{7}{8}\)
The denominators match, so look at the numerators. Since \(5<7\), \(\frac{5}{8}<\frac{7}{8}\).
Is \(\frac{3}{5}\) greater than or less than \(\frac{1}{2}\)?
Answer A: Greater than \(\frac{1}{2}\)
Compare to \(\frac{1}{2}\): Convert to tenths: \(\frac{3}{5}=\frac{6}{10}\) and \(\frac{1}{2}=\frac{5}{10}\). Since \(6>5\), \(\frac{3}{5}>\frac{1}{2}\).
Look at the fraction bars below. Which comparison is correct?
Answer D: \(\frac{3}{4}>\frac{2}{4}\)
The bars show us! The blue bar for \(\frac{3}{4}\) is longer than the coral bar for \(\frac{2}{4}\). Bigger shaded area means bigger fraction.
Which fraction is less than \(\frac{1}{2}\)?
Answer C: \(\frac{2}{5}\)
Check each against \(\frac{1}{2}\): \(\frac{3}{5}>\frac{1}{2}\), \(\frac{3}{6}=\frac{1}{2}\), \(\frac{4}{6}>\frac{1}{2}\). But \(\frac{2}{5}<\frac{1}{2}\) because \(\frac{2}{5}=\frac{4}{10}<\frac{5}{10}=\frac{1}{2}\).
Two pizzas are the same size. Ava ate \(\frac{1}{3}\) of one pizza. Sam ate \(\frac{1}{4}\) of another. Who ate more?
Answer A: Ava ate more
Same numerator, different denominators: larger denominator means smaller pieces. Since thirds are bigger than fourths, \(\frac{1}{3}>\frac{1}{4}\).
Which comparison is correct?
Answer A: \(\frac{2}{3}>\frac{2}{5}\)
Both fractions have numerator 2. When numerators match, smaller denominators give bigger pieces. Since \(3<5\), \(\frac{2}{3}>\frac{2}{5}\).
Compare: \(\frac{3}{8}\) and \(\frac{3}{10}\).
Answer D: \(\frac{3}{8}>\frac{3}{10}\)
Same numerator (3) means compare denominators: eighths are bigger pieces than tenths, so \(\frac{3}{8}>\frac{3}{10}\).
Which fraction is greater than 1?
Answer C: \(\frac{5}{4}\)
A fraction is greater than 1 when the numerator exceeds the denominator. Since \(5>4\), \(\frac{5}{4}>1\).
Where should \(\frac{2}{6}\) be placed on the number line?
Answer C: At \(\frac{1}{3}\)
First, simplify: \(\frac{2}{6}=\frac{1}{3}\) (divide both by 2). So \(\frac{2}{6}\) lands exactly at \(\frac{1}{3}\) on the number line.
