🔢 MathGrade 4Lesson 17
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Identify and Compare Fractions
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Learning Objectives
- 1Identify the numerator and denominator of a fraction
- 2Represent fractions as parts of a whole using diagrams
- 3Compare fractions with the same denominator using < and >
- 4Compare fractions with the same numerator by reasoning about part size
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Mini Lesson
A fraction describes part of a whole. The numerator (top number) tells how many parts are shaded or selected. The denominator (bottom number) tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
Reading a Fraction
- Write the fraction as: numerator / denominator.
- Example: 3/8 means 3 parts out of 8 equal parts.
- The whole must be divided into equal parts — if the parts are unequal, the fraction is not valid.
Comparing Fractions — Same Denominator
- When denominators are equal, the parts are the same size.
- Compare numerators: more parts shaded = larger fraction.
- Example: 3/8 < 5/8 because 3 parts are fewer than 5 parts of the same size.
Comparing Fractions — Same Numerator
- When numerators are equal, both fractions have the same number of parts.
- Larger denominator = smaller parts, so the fraction is smaller.
- Example: 1/3 > 1/5 because thirds are bigger pieces than fifths.
Fractions on a Number Line
- 0 and 1 are the endpoints. The space between them represents one whole.
- 1/2 is the midpoint — a useful benchmark.
- 4/8 = 1/2, so 3/8 is just left of the midpoint and 5/8 is just right.
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Tip: use 1/2 as a benchmark — if 4 of the equal parts make a half, then any fraction with fewer than 4 parts (out of 8) is less than 1/2.
Vocabulary
Fraction
A number that names equal parts of a whole or a sete.g. 3/4 is a fraction with three out of four equal parts.
Numerator
The top number in a fraction — how many equal parts you havee.g. In 3/4, 3 is the numerator.
Denominator
The bottom number in a fraction — how many equal parts make a wholee.g. In 3/4, 4 is the denominator.
Benchmark fraction
A common fraction such as 1/2 used to compare other fractionse.g. 1/2 is a useful benchmark fraction.
Equivalent
Of equal value, even when written differentlye.g. 4/8 and 1/2 are equivalent fractions.
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