Year 3 - Maths
Identify when unit fractions cannot be compared
Compare and order unit fractions
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will compare and order unit fractions by looking at the denominator and understanding what it represents.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to identify when unit fractions cannot be compared.
Key Notes
- If the whole is not the same, the fractions cannot be compared.
- If the parts of the whole are not equal, the fractions cannot be compared.
- Equal parts may not look the same.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Whole: The whole is all of a group or number.
- Part: A part is a section of the whole.
- Denominator: A denominator is the bottom number in a fraction. It shows how many parts a whole has been divided into.
- Unit fraction: A unit fraction is a fraction where the numerator is 1
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children might want to use inequality symbols between representations showing different wholes.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
If the whole is not the same, the fractions cannot be compared. If the parts of the whole are not equal, the fractions cannot be compared.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Whole'
The whole is all of a group or number. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Children might want to use inequality symbols between representations showing different wholes. Correction: Explain that inequalities can only be used when the whole is the same. Provide them with examples they may be familiar with such as offering half of a large and small apple and identifying that these are not the same because the wholes differ.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 3 Maths guide library.