An Introduction to Fractions
In this section, I will learn all about concepts related to fractions including:
- how to read a fraction AND what the numbers mean in a fraction
- fraction benchmarks such as 0, half and 1.
- how to compare different fractions
How do I read a fraction?
A fraction is read starting with the top number followed by the bottom number. The 2 numbers have special names:
Numerator: This is the top number. It represents how many parts there are in relation to the total. Denominator: This is the bottom number. It represents how many parts there are in total. The numerator is always read the way we read numbers. However, the denominator is read a little differently. Here is a quick guide to how we pronounce that bottom number: 2 - half 3 - thirds 4 - quarter or forths 5 - fifths 6 - sixths 7 - sevenths 8 - eighths 9 - ninths 10 -tenths |
This fraction is read as four fifths. There are four parts that are shaded in from a total of five parts.
This fraction reads as one half. There is one part that is shaded in from a total of 2 parts.
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What are Fraction Benchmarks?
When we think of fractions, they are numbers that are between 0 and 1. They are not simply zero and they are not one whole either. They are some where in between. All fractions, however, can be near 0, half or 1. If a fraction is near 0, that means there is almost nothing. If a fraction is near 1, that means that it is close to one whole. If a fraction is near half, it is somewhere almost directly between 0 and 1. Below are examples of the benchmarks.
When we think of fractions, they are numbers that are between 0 and 1. They are not simply zero and they are not one whole either. They are some where in between. All fractions, however, can be near 0, half or 1. If a fraction is near 0, that means there is almost nothing. If a fraction is near 1, that means that it is close to one whole. If a fraction is near half, it is somewhere almost directly between 0 and 1. Below are examples of the benchmarks.
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How can I tell which fractions are worth more?
Being able to tell which fractions are worth more can be a tricky task. Here are a few tips to help you get started: 1) Start by creating a rectangles for each of your fractions that are the SAME size. 2) Read the denominator for each fraction. For each rectangle, divide your fraction into equal parts. For example, if your denominator is 5, you will divide your rectangle into 5 equal parts. 3) For each rectangle that you have made, shade in the number of parts indicated by your numerator. For example, if your numerator is 3, you will shade in 3 parts. 4) Make sure that when you shade in your parts, you are starting from the same size each time. 5) Place your fractions one on top of each other. You should be able to tell which one is least and which one is greatest now! |
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Practice Questions
Choose one of the following activities to complete:
1) Austin ate four fifths of a pizza. McKenna also at four fifths of a pizza but ate more in total. How is this possible? Explain using words and pictures.
2) Use fractions strips. Find 3 fractions that are the same as one half.
3) Which is greater, three fourths or two thirds? Explain using words and pictures.
Choose one of the following activities to complete:
1) Austin ate four fifths of a pizza. McKenna also at four fifths of a pizza but ate more in total. How is this possible? Explain using words and pictures.
2) Use fractions strips. Find 3 fractions that are the same as one half.
3) Which is greater, three fourths or two thirds? Explain using words and pictures.