Year 5 - Maths
Explain the relationship between numerators and denominators across equivalent fractions
Comparing fractions using equivalence and decimals
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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 use representations to describe and compare two fractions. They will explain the relationship within families of equivalent fractions and use their knowledge of common equivalents to compare fractions with decimals.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the relationship across numerators and denominators in equivalent fractions.
Key Notes
- In equivalent fractions the numerators will share a common factor and the denominators will share a common factor.
- In equivalent fractions, the numerators and denominators have been scaled up or down by the same factor.
- If you multiply the numerator and denominator by the same factor, the fractions will be equivalent.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Numerator: The numerator is the top number in a fraction and shows how many parts we have.
- Denominator: The denominator is the bottom number in a fraction and shows how many equal parts the whole has been divided into.
- Equivalent fraction: Equivalent fractions are fractions which have the same value, even though they may look different.
- Scale/scaling: Scaling is when a quantity is made ___ times the size.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may not see the relationship between the numerator and denominator in a fraction as an indication of equivalence. They may only see that they can keep doubling the numerator and denominator.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
In equivalent fractions the numerators will share a common factor and the denominators will share a common factor. In equivalent fractions, the numerators and denominators have been scaled up or down by the same factor.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Numerator'
The numerator is the top number in a fraction and shows how many parts we have. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils may not see the relationship between the numerator and denominator in a fraction as an indication of equivalence. They may only see that they can keep doubling the numerator and denominator. Correction: When working with unit fractions, ensure that pupils explain that the denominator is always e.g. 3 times the value of the numerator when fractions are equivalent to e.g. one third. This will focus them on the equivalence and that key relationship.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Explain and represent how to divide 1 into different numbers of equal parts Study Guide
- Explain the relationship between numerators and denominators in equivalent fractions Study Guide
- Explain the relationship within families of equivalent fractions Study Guide
- Identify and describe patterns in the number system Study Guide
- Recall common fraction-decimal equivalents Study Guide
- Solve problems using fraction-decimal equivalents Study Guide
- Use knowledge of common equivalents to compare fractions and decimals Study Guide
- Use representations to describe and compare fractions Study Guide
- Use representations to describe and compare two fractions Study Guide
- Use representations to describe and compare two fractions in a continuous context Study Guide
- Use the language of equivalent fractions correctly Study Guide
- Use the relationship between the numerator and denominator in equivalent fractions to solve problems Study Guide
- Use the relationship between the numerator and denominator to simplify fractions Study Guide
- Use understanding of equivalent fractions to solve problems Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 5 Maths guide library.