Fractions Made Fun: Understanding the Basics

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• Mathematics
• Primary Education

Fractions Made Fun: Understanding the Basics

Slide text

What do you already know about fractions?

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify, represent and compare fractions, solve word problems, and use key vocabulary.

What Is a Fraction?

A fraction shows a part of a whole. It can describe slices of pizza, pieces of a chocolate bar, or parts of a group.

Key Words

• Fraction • Numerator • Denominator • Equivalent fractions • Like denominators

Numerator and Denominator

The numerator is the top number. The denominator is the bottom number. The denominator tells how many equal parts, and the numerator tells how many parts you have.

Representing Fractions Visually

We can use shapes or objects to show fractions. For example, shading parts of a shape or counting objects.

Task: Shade In

Shade in 3/4 of a rectangle. How many parts did you shade? How many are not shaded?

Fractions of a Set

What fraction of these 8 apples is 2 apples? Write the answer as a fraction.

Comparing Fractions: Like Denominators

Fractions with the same denominator are easy to compare. The bigger the numerator, the bigger the fraction.

Which Is Bigger?

Which is bigger: 1/3 or 1/4? Explain how you know.

Ordering Fractions

Put these fractions in order from smallest to largest: 1/2, 1/5, 1/3.

Equivalent Fractions

Different fractions can mean the same value, like 1/2 and 2/4. These are called equivalent fractions.

Circle the Equivalent Fractions

Circle all pairs of equivalent fractions: 1/2, 2/4, 3/4, 4/8.

Finding Fractions of a Number

To find 1/5 of 20: Divide 20 by 5 to get 4. 1/5 of 20 is 4.

Your Turn: Fraction of 12

What is 3/4 of 12? Divide 12 by 4, then multiply by 3.

Word Problem: Apples

A cake is cut into 10 slices. Sarah eats 3 slices. What fraction of the cake did she eat?

Adding Fractions

If two fractions have the same denominator, add the numerators: 1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4.

Subtracting Fractions

Subtract the top numbers if the denominators are equal: 5/6 - 2/6 = 3/6.

Fraction Challenge ⭐

Jack drank 2/5 of a bottle in the morning and 1/5 in the afternoon. How much did he drink altogether?

True or False?

Is 4/8 equal to 1/2? Explain why or why not.

Apply: Word Problem

A class has 24 children. 3/8 of them wear glasses. How many children wear glasses? Show your working.

Reflection: What Have You Learnt?

Can you now explain fractions using the words numerator, denominator, and equivalent fractions?

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.