Skip to content
PlayOwl

Mathematics · Grade 4

Fraction Equivalence and Comparison

Learners use fraction bars and number lines to see why multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number gives an equivalent fraction, generate equivalent fractions, and compare fractions with different numerators and denominators using common denominators, common numerators and the benchmarks 1/2 and 1, always for the same whole.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 85 minutes
  • Equivalent and compare check: 8 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, place on a number line, shade a shape, sort into groups and true or false
See plans Included with Family, Teacher and School plans. Open in PlayOwl

What learners will discover

  • Explain with area models and number lines why a fraction a/b is equal to (n × a)/(n × b).
  • Generate equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number.
  • Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators by finding a common denominator or a common numerator.
  • Compare fractions with the benchmarks 1/2 and 1, and explain that fractions can only be compared when they refer to the same whole.

Lessons

  1. Why equivalent fractions work 6 steps3 practiceabout 22 min
  2. Making equivalent fractions 6 steps4 practiceabout 20 min
  3. Same-size parts to compare 5 steps3 practiceabout 21 min
  4. Benchmarks and the same whole 7 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  5. Equivalent and compare check 8 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Number-Line HopHelp the frog hop to the right number — from counting to negative fractions.
  • Paint by AnswersSolve each space, dip your brush and watch a picture come to life.
  • Array OrchardPlant trees in rows, pack fruit into crates and split big fields to multiply.

More 4th grade math

Guide for grown-ups