Find the Greatest and Least
Focus: Comparing Unit Fractions. Use the worked example and teaching sequence below to explain the reasoning before independent practice.
Use New Numbers to make another set. Choose Worksheet or Answer Key, then use the worksheet’s Print button.
Teaching Notes
Focus: Comparing Unit Fractions. Use the worked example and teaching sequence below to explain the reasoning before independent practice.
Before You Begin
- Understand equal parts of the same whole.
Teaching Steps for Parents and Teachers
- Use equal-sized wholes when comparing.
- For unit fractions, a larger denominator means smaller equal parts.
- Compare one part from each whole and write <, >, or =.
Worked Examples
Compare 1/3 and 1/5.
- Divide the same-sized whole into 3 equal parts, then into 5 equal parts.
- One third is larger than one fifth because each of 3 equal parts is larger than each of 5 equal parts.
Answer: 1/3 > 1/5
Common Mistakes and How to Help
The answer does not match the requested form or place.
Return to the worked example. Ask the learner to explain each step and check the result against the original question.
Questions to Check Understanding
- What does each number in this example represent?
- Why does the final answer have this form?
- Can you explain the same steps using another example?
Practice Advice
Work through the example together. Ask the learner to explain the first two problems, then try three independently. Review the first incorrect step before assigning more practice.
Next Practice
- Use New Numbers to practice the same skill with different values.
- If the learner needs help, return to the example and model each step before trying again.