Illustrative Mathematics
Listing Fractions in Increasing Size
Increase the depth of your class's fractional number sense with this number-ordering activity. Given four fractions, each with different numerators and denominators, young learners are asked to place them in order from smallest to...
Illustrative Mathematics
Using Benchmarks to Compare Fractions
Introduce a new strategy for comparing fractions by analyzing Melissa's use of benchmarks. Walk the class through her process, calling on students to explain their understanding of each step she took. Then practice this method on two...
Curated OER
Comparing Fractions with a Different Whole
What was Bryce's mistake? Through analysis of a student work example, learners develop their own ability to compare the fractions one fourth and one half. Central to this activity is the concept that, when comparing fractions, the whole...
Education Development Center
Comparing Fractions
Three heads are better than one. After reading a conversation between three friends about how to compare fractions, scholars analyze and discuss each presented strategy. These include using unit fractions, using benchmark fractions,...
Illustrative Mathematics
Representing Half of a Circle
Geometric shapes make great visual models for introducing young mathematicians to the concept of fractions. Looking at a series of four circles, students are asked to determine whether or not one half of each circle is shaded. To support...
Curated OER
Which is Closer to 1?
A seemingly simple question that reveals a lot about a student's understanding of fractions. In finding an answer, learners compare fractions with different denominators that are both greater and less than one. No number line is...
Curated OER
Comparing Fractions
Learners compare three sets of fractions using the greater than, less than, and equal signs. To justify their answers, a drawing is also required that illustrates their reasoning. Including fractions with like and unlike denominators, as...
Curated OER
Snow Day
It's a snow day, and two brothers attending schools with different schedules each got a late start to the day. But who had the shorter school day? That's what your class will find out as they apply their knowledge of fractions to this...
Illustrative Mathematics
Fractions on the Number Line
Fractions are a common fear in school, but visualizing them on a number line can help your learners understand their relationship to one another. The activity provides two solutions; use either a number line or a common denominator....
Illustrative Mathematics
Ordering Fractions
Here is a comparing and ordering fractions learning activity that extends young mathematicians understanding of fractions with like and non-like denominators. By representing and explaining each fraction in a picture or diagram, students...
Curated OER
Find 2/3
This short problem with representing fractions on a number line is more than meets the eye. Labeled only with the numbers zero and 1/4, a number line is used to locate the fraction 2/3. A solution can be found in multiple ways, but young...
Illustrative Mathematics
Comparing Two Different Pizzas
What better way to learn about fractions than with a couple pizzas? Help Jessica figure out how much of the pizza she has eaten, while teaching your class that fractions refer to a specific whole amount. This problem will be challenging...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Roll Out Fractions Game: Comparing Fractions
Reinforce the concept of comparing fractions with a hands-on, two-player game that calls for a visual model, score board, and dice. Players roll dice to acquire their given fraction, create the fraction using fraction tiles, then compare...
Illustrative Mathematics
Explaining Fraction Equivalence with Picture
Visual models are a great tool for demonstrating the concept of equivalent fractions. Given two pictures, young mathematicians first identify each fraction and then write an explanation for why they are equivalent. Use as a guided...
Curated OER
Jon and Charlie's Run
Let's use math to solve an argument. Jon and Charlie are debating about who can run farther, but who is right? That's what your class will figure out as they apply their understanding of fractions to this real-life situation. A simple,...
Illustrative Mathematics
Money in the Piggy Bank
It's time to crack open that piggy bank and see what's inside. First, count up the pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters, identifying what fraction of them are dimes. Then calculate the total value of the coins, writing another fraction...
Education Development Center
Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators
If the fractions don't have a common denominator, make them have one. Learners first read and analyze a conversation of pupils trying to add 2/5 and 1/2. They compare the process of adding fractions to the process of adding quantities...
Illustrative Mathematics
Running Laps
If you run more laps, did you run further? Well, it depends. If the laps are different lengths, you need to do some math to answer that question. The goal of this task to is compare two fractions. Young learners represent the real-world...
Curated OER
Geometric Pictures of One Half
A learning task that involves creative ways of thinking permits children to use paper models as a way to visualize the fraction one-half. Learners can fold or cut their models in such a way that the unshaded regions, and shaded regions...
Lakeshore Learning
Equivalent Fraction Activities
Spin the wheel of the fraction contraption and learn about equivalent fractions! After constructing their own spinners, kids use printable pizzas to represent fractions that are equal in value.
Illustrative Mathematics
Comparing Products
How can 5th graders show understanding that 30 x 225 is half of 60 x 225 without completing the computation? They can use an area model and draw it out. An array, or an open array, is an area model that allows for young learners to...
Illustrative Mathematics
Plastic Building Blocks
Let's build a castle! Dennis and Cody have big plans, but do they have enough blocks between the two of them to accomplish their goal? A great context that requires students to add and compare mixed numbers. Encourage the use of pictures...
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Fraction Card Games
Have fun with fractions in a math card game activity! Cut out the fraction cards and use them to reinforce fraction concepts, including common denominators, parts of a whole, and equivalent fractions.
101 Questions
Square Partitions
Challenge your classes while developing their problem-solving skills. A square is divided neatly into four equal triangles by its diagonals until one diagonal is moved from a vertex to the midpoint of one side. Now, scholars must devise...