Curriculum  /  Math  /  4th Grade  /  Unit 4: Fraction Equivalence and Ordering  /  Lesson 12

Fraction Equivalence and Ordering

Lesson 12

Math

Unit 4

4th Grade

Lesson 12 of 15

Objective

Compare two fractions by replacing both fractions with equivalent ones.

Common Core Standards

Core Standards

  • 4.NF.A.2 — Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, e.g., by creating common denominators or numerators, or by comparing to a benchmark fraction such as 1/2. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

Foundational Standards

  • 3.NF.A.3.D

Criteria for Success

  1. Compare two fractions where both fractions need to be replaced with an equivalent one to be able to compare common units (denominators) or common number of units (numerator) (MP.3).
  2. Understand that there are a variety of common units or number of units that can be compared, including the possibility to find the largest possible unit to compare (i.e., the lowest common denominator). 
  3. Use the correct symbol (<, >, =) to record a comparison. 

Tips for Teachers

As the Fractions Progressions states, “it is not necessary to find a least common denominator to calculate sums of fractions, and in fact the effort of finding a least common denominator is a distraction from understanding algorithms for adding fractions” (NF Progressions, p. 11). One can extend this rationale to finding a least common denominator to compare fractions. Because finding a least common denominator connects the supporting work of gaining familiarity with factors and multiples (4.OA.4) with fraction equivalence and comparison (4.NF.A), the idea is discussed briefly, particularly in Anchor Task #3; just be sure not to overemphasize the need to do so for all problems.

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Anchor Tasks

25-30 minutes

Problem 1

Would you rather have the leftover brownies in Scenario A or Scenario B? The pans in which the brownies were cooked are the same size.

Scenario A

Scenario B

Guiding Questions

Create a free account or sign in to access the Guiding Questions for this Anchor Problem.

Student Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Problem 2

Compare the following fractions. Record your answer with $$\lt$$, $$\gt$$, or $$=$$.

a.   $${{2\over3}}$$ and $${{5\over8}}$$

b.   $${{7\over4}}$$ and $${{9\over5}}$$

Guiding Questions

Create a free account or sign in to access the Guiding Questions for this Anchor Problem.

Student Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Problem 3

Compare the following fractions. Record your answer with $$\lt$$, $$\gt$$, or $$=$$.

a.   $${{7\over12}}$$ and $${{5\over8}}$$

b.   $${{13\over10}}$$ and $${{5\over4}}$$

Guiding Questions

Create a free account or sign in to access the Guiding Questions for this Anchor Problem.

Student Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Problem Set

15-20 minutes

Discussion of Problem Set

  • In #1, were some comparisons easier than others? Why? 
  • In #3, did you need to use multiplication for every part? Why or why not? When is multiplication not needed, even with different denominators? 
  • In #3(b), did everyone use forty-eighths? Did anyone use twenty-fourths? 
  • In #5, how did you compare the fractions? Why? 
  • Do we always need to multiply the denominators to make like units?

Target Task

5-10 minutes

Compare the following fractions by writing <, >, or = in the blank.

a.   $${{5\over8}}$$  _____  $${{3\over5}}$$

b.   $${{2\over3}}$$  _____  $${{3\over4}}$$

Student Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Additional Practice

The Extra Practice Problems can be used as additional practice for homework, during an intervention block, etc. Daily Word Problems and Fluency Activities are aligned to the content of the unit but not necessarily to the lesson objective, therefore feel free to use them anytime during your school day.

Word Problems and Fluency Activities

Word Problems and Fluency Activities

Help students strengthen their application and fluency skills with daily word problem practice and content-aligned fluency activities.

Next

Compare two fractions using one whole as a benchmark.

Lesson 13
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Topic A: Factors and Multiples

Topic B: Equivalent Fractions

Topic C: Comparing and Ordering Fractions

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable math lesson plans for free