Solve problems involving comparing unit fractions | Maths

Starter quiz

Look at the picture. How many equal parts has the whole been divided into?

'3' ✓
$What fraction of the whole is indicated by each circled group in the picture?$

What fraction of the whole is indicated by each circled group in the picture?

$\frac{1}{9}$

$\frac{1}{3}$ ✓

$\frac{1}{4}$

$\frac{1}{6}$
$Tick the fractions which are smaller than one-third.$

Tick the fractions which are smaller than one-third.

$\frac{1}{2}$

$\frac{1}{3}$

$\frac{1}{5}$ ✓

$\frac{1}{20}$ ✓
$Which inequality symbol completes this statement? <Math> \frac{1}{2} </Math> <span class="blank">______</span> <Math> \frac{1}{5} </Math>$

Which inequality symbol completes this statement? $\frac{1}{2}$ ______ $\frac{1}{5}$

'>' ✓
$Which inequality symbol completes this statement? <Math> \frac{1}{6} </Math> <span class="blank">______</span> <Math> \frac{1}{4} </Math>$

Which inequality symbol completes this statement? $\frac{1}{6}$ ______ $\frac{1}{4}$

'<' ✓
$What is fraction of the whole is the shaded part below?$

What is fraction of the whole is the shaded part below?

$\frac{1}{2}$

$\frac{1}{4}$ ✓

$\frac{1}{5}$

$\frac{1}{8}$

Exit quiz

Select the correct symbol to make the statement correct.

< ✓

>

=
Select the correct symbol to make the statement correct.

<

> ✓

=
Select the correct symbol to make the statement correct.

<

> ✓

=
Which numbers could you use as a denominator to make this correct?

2 ✓

5 ✓

12

20

100
Which numbers could you use as a denominator to make this correct?

2 ✓

4 ✓

10

12

100
$Which of these unit fractions could go in the empty box?$

Which of these unit fractions could go in the empty box?

$\frac{1}{2}$

$\frac{1}{4}$ ✓

$\frac{1}{5}$ ✓

$\frac{1}{8}$

Worksheet

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Presentation

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Video

Lesson Details

Key learning points

When comparing unit fractions, the greater the denominator, the smaller the fraction.
When comparing unit fractions, the smaller the denominator, the larger the fraction.
Equal parts may not look the same.

Common misconception

Children may still fall into the habit of considering the greater denominator to be a greater fraction.

Continue to revisit a fraction wall where possible and use real life contexts and images. Ensure that the statement, 'When the whole is equal, the greater the denominator, the smaller the fraction.' is visible and constantly refer to it.

Keywords

Whole - The whole is all of a group or number.
Part - A part is a section of the whole.
Denominator - A denominator is the bottom number in a fraction. It shows how many parts a whole has been divided into.
Unit fraction - A unit fraction is a fraction where the numerator is 1