Year 5 - Maths
Use understanding of equivalent fractions to solve problems
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 use understanding of equivalent fractions to solve problems.
Key Notes
- If the multiplicative relationship between the numerator and denominator is the same, the fractions will be equivalent.
- 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.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Equivalent fraction: Equivalent fractions are fractions which have the same value, even though they may look different. They describe the same part or proportion of the whole
- Simplify: To simplify a fraction is to identify the highest common factor shared by the numerator and denominator and to scale down both by that factor.
- Scale up/down: To scale up or down is to multiply or divide by a given number or factor.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Some pupils may still think that, because equivalent fractions look different, they do not have the same value.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
If the multiplicative relationship between the numerator and denominator is the same, the fractions will be equivalent. In equivalent fractions the numerators will share a common factor and the denominators will share a common factor.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Equivalent fraction'
Equivalent fractions are fractions which have the same value, even though they may look different. They describe the same part or proportion of the whole. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Some pupils may still think that, because equivalent fractions look different, they do not have the same value. Correction: Use representations such as bar models and shapes as well as number lines to ensure that this understanding is secured both in interpreting fractions as parts of a whole and as numbers with a fixed position on a number line.
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 across equivalent fractions 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
Browse all guides in the Year 5 Maths guide library.