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Home > Topdrawer > Fractions > Misunderstandings > Using rules blindly > Comparing non-unit fractions

Default object view. Click to create a custom template, Node ID: 12052, Object ID: 19878

Comparing non-unit fractions

Comparing non-unit fractions

The digital learning object provides a tool to help students develop strategies for comparing non-unit fractions.

Display the learning object L2803 Fraction fiddle: comparing non-unit fractions to the class on an interactive whiteboard (or projector and screen).

  • Work through a task together, pausing for students to make predictions.
    •  Which fraction do you think is smaller/larger?
    •  Why do you think that?
  • Encourage students to notice the relationships between the numerator/denominator and the construction of the fraction bar.
    • What happens to the bar as the denominator gets larger?
    • What happens to the bar as the numerator gets larger?
  • Encourage students to notice the position of the fractions on the number line.
    • Look where \(\frac{3}{4}\) is located. Where would \(\frac{1}{4}\) be? What about \(\frac{1}{2}\)?
    • Is \(\frac{2}{5}\) going to be closer to 1 than \(\frac{3}{4}\) or further away? Why do you think so?

Students can work in pairs at computers to complete a set of tasks. The printed record of their findings can be the basis of further discussions about strategies for solving similar tasks without the learning object.

  • What can you do to help you work out which fraction is larger or smaller?
  • Why can’t you decide just by looking at the denominators?

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Name Class Section
Document Year 6: Compare fractions with related denominators and locate and represent them on a number line Infobox 3
Document Source Infobox 3