Virginia SOL Math / Grade 4 / Number & Number Sense

4.NS.3

Fractions & Mixed Numbers

What you'll learn

  • Represent, name, and write fractions and mixed numbers with denominators of 12 or less
  • Compare and order fractions using benchmarks and models
  • Find and use equivalent fractions

Words to know

Numerator —
the top number, the parts you have
Denominator —
the bottom number, equal parts in all
Mixed number —
a whole number and a fraction, like 2 1/3
Equivalent —
fractions naming the same amount
Benchmark —
a familiar value (0, 1/2, 1) for comparing
Simplest form —
an equivalent fraction with the smallest numbers

Why it matters Fractions let us share fairly and measure carefully, from slicing a pizza into twelfths to reading a ruler.

Worked examples

Model ItI do

Compare 5/6 and 5/8 using what you know about the pieces.

The numerators match, so compare the size of the pieces. Sixths are larger than eighths, so 5 sixths is more than 5 eighths. That means 5/6 > 5/8.

Try It TogetherWe do

Write a fraction equivalent to 2/3 with a denominator of 12.

Ask what times 3 gives 12: that is 4. Multiply the top by the same number: 2 times 4 is 8. So 2/3 = 8/12.

Now YouYou do

Compare 7/12 and 1/2 using the benchmark 1/2.

Rewrite 1/2 with a denominator of 12, then compare numerators. Write >, <, or = , and check your answer in the back.

Practice

Mastered 0 of 11

Warm-up

Ease in with the basics.

  1. 1.Write >, <, or = : 1/4 ___ 3/4

  2. 2.Which fraction is equivalent to 1/2?

  3. 3.Write 5/4 as a mixed number.

On Level

The core Quick Check from the book.

  1. 1.Write 11/4 as a mixed number.

  2. 2.Write >, <, or = : 3/4 ___ 3/10

  3. 3.Name a fraction equivalent to 1/3 with a denominator of 9.

  4. 4.Is 7/8 greater than or less than 1/2?

  5. 5.Write 6/8 in simplest form.

Challenge

Stretch your thinking.

  1. 1.Order from least to greatest: 2/3, 5/12, 3/4.

  2. 2.Write 15/6 as a mixed number in simplest form.

  3. 3.Write >, <, or = : 7/12 ___ 5/8