A denominator is the bottom number in a fraction. It shows how many parts a whole has been divided into.

A unit fraction is a fraction where the numerator is 1

Identify when unit fractions cannot be compared

Maths

In this unit pupils will compare and order unit fractions by looking at the denominator. In the future unit pupils will quantify the number of items in each part and connect to the unit fraction operator. They will calculate the value of a part by connecting knowledge of division and division facts with finding a fraction of a quantity.

In the prior unit pupils identified parts and wholes in different contexts. In this unit pupils will compare and order unit fractions by looking at the denominator.

Compare and order unit fractions

“Let’s have one-half of a cake each.” Does the image show a fair or unfair version of this statement?

“I’ve read one-half of a book and you’ve only read one-third so I have read more.” Does the image show a fair or unfair version of this statement?

Which proof shows one-quarter that is less than one-half?

When the wholes are the same, one-quarter is equal to one-half.

When the wholes are different, one-half and one-quarter can be equal size.

What is special about the whole when comparing fractions using notation?

Which inequality symbol goes in between these two fractions?

Which inequality symbol goes into the gap? 65  ___ 56

Which inequality symbol goes into the gap? 300 + 30  ___ 400 − 50

Which inequality symbol goes into the box to show which glass is more full?

The number of equal parts that a whole has been divided into.

A line to show that a whole has been divided into equal parts.

Which of the following is the definition of a numerator?

What fraction of the whole is the shaded part in the image?

Starter Quiz