Lesson 16

Compare Fractions with the Same Numerator

Lesson Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is for students to compare two fractions with the same numerator.

Lesson Narrative

In this lesson, students reason that fractions with the same numerator have the same number of parts, and that the denominator shows the size or length of those parts. Students recognize that as the denominator increases, each part gets smaller. It is important that students develop this understanding rather than learning a rule about comparing fractions with the same numerator.

  • Engagement
  • MLR1

Learning Goals

Teacher Facing

  • Compare two fractions with the same numerator by reasoning about their size.

Student Facing

  • Let’s compare two fractions with the same numerator.

Required Preparation

CCSS Standards

Addressing

Lesson Timeline

Warm-up 10 min
Activity 1 20 min
Activity 2 15 min
Lesson Synthesis 10 min
Cool-down 5 min

Teacher Reflection Questions

As students worked in their small groups today, whose ideas were heard, valued, and accepted? How can you adjust the group structure tomorrow to ensure each student’s ideas are a part of the collective learning?

Suggested Centers

  • Rolling for Fractions (3–5), Stage 1: Equivalent Fractions (Addressing)
  • Number Line Scoot (2–3), Stage 3: Halves, Thirds, Fourths, Sixths and Eighths (Addressing)
  • Five in a Row: Multiplication (3–5), Stage 2: Factors 1–9 (Supporting)

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Additional Resources

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