Lesson 17
Compare Fractions
Lesson Purpose
The purpose of this lesson is for students to compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator in and out of context and to justify their conclusions.
Lesson Narrative
In previous lessons, students learned what it means for fractions to be equivalent, and compared two fractions with the same denominator or the same numerator. In this lesson, students apply their knowledge to compare fractions in and out of context and have an opportunity to generalize about what they have learned about fraction comparison.
- Engagement
- MLR8
Activity 1: Comparison Problems
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator.
- Record the results of comparison with the symbols >, =, or <.
Student Facing
- Let’s compare more fractions in different situations.
Required Preparation
CCSS Standards
Lesson Timeline
| Warm-up | 10 min |
| Activity 1 | 15 min |
| Activity 2 | 15 min |
| Activity 3 | 10 min |
| Lesson Synthesis | 5 min |
| Cool-down | 5 min |
Teacher Reflection Questions
As you finish up this unit, reflect on the norms and activities that have supported each student in learning math. How have you seen each student grow as a young mathematician throughout this work? What will you continue to do and what will you improve upon in the next unit?
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)