Compare and Order Fractions Lesson Plan
Subject(s): Mathematics, Odyssey
Objective(s): The mathematician will compare and order fractions by comparing the numerators of like
fractions or by finding common denominators to compare unlike fractions.
Purpose: Students need to compare fractions in contexts such as prices, lengths, times, and any other
measurements in fractions. They need to be able to determine which measurement is the least, the
greatest, or any in between.
Prerequisite Skills: Students will know the types of fractions (improper and proper), mixed numbers, and
the pieces that make up each (numerator, denominator, whole number). Students are also familiar with
and understand the symbols: <, >, and =. Students will be familiar with a number line and the values of a
number line as you move from left to right.
Grade Level: 6
Materials:
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Compare and Order Fractions Powerpoint
Compare and Order Fractions Notes
Compare and Order Fractions Homework
Internet Activities
Number Line Activity
Anticipatory Set: Ask students if they have ever had to compare fractions. If they did, how did they have
to compare them? What strategies did they use? If I asked you to compare if you wanted ½ pizza or ¼
pizza, which would you say? Why? Because I want more! So, that means that ½ is greater than ¼? Yes! Let’s
compare some more fractions.
Input:
1. Students will go to
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/numbers/fractiondecimalpercentage/fractions/comparingfracti
ons/factsheet.shtml and explore the first five fact sheets. They will follow along by filling in blanks
and answering questions in their notes.
2. Teacher will discuss the difference between like fractions and unlike fractions.
3. Teacher will show models of like fractions (both in rectangle and circle form) and the students will
compare the fractions by using <, >, or =
4. Teacher will question students on how they could compare fractions that had different
denominators. What did we do before when we were trying to make fractions have a certain
denominator? We were making equivalent fractions. How did we make equivalent fractions? We
multiplied the numerator and denominator by the same number.
5. From discussion, introduce finding a common denominator. When you find common denominator,
note that you are finding the LCM.
6. Teacher will model finding common denominator to compare unlike fractions and then students
will work another example on marker boards.
Compare and Order Fractions Lesson Plan
7. Teacher will model finding common denominator to compare unlike fractions and graph them on a
number line. Then students will work another example on marker boards.
8. Students will work the Lesson Quiz on marker boards.
9. Summarize the notes: What is the difference between like and unlike fractions? Like fractions are
fractions that have the same denominator. Unlike fractions are fractions that have different
denominators. How do you compare like fractions? You only have to compare the numerators
when you compare like fractions. How do you compare unlike fractions? You must find a common
denominator and equivalent fractions to compare unlike fractions.
Activities:
Beginning of 2nd day or after notes: Number Line Activity
Each student will be given a fraction. They must line themselves up in order from least to greatest.
Then the number line will be divided into groups of 5 (5 smallest fractions in one group, next 5 smallest in
another, etc.) They will look at their fractions and notice if there are any patterns they see when going
from least to greatest. Each group will share their patterns. Then the class will look at the number line as a
whole and see if their patterns are also patterns for the whole number line.
Internet Practice: http://www.mathplayground.com/fractions_compare.html and
http://www.xpmath.com/forums/arcade.php?do=play&gameid=8
Modeling: The teacher will model how to order fractions with like denominators by showing models and
by comparing the numerators. Teacher will model how to order fractions with unlike denominators by
finding a common denominator. Teacher will model how to order fractions on a number line.
Check for Understanding: Teacher will circulate the room while students work examples on marker boards
and address mistakes while going over the problem as a class.
Guided Practice: The students will work examples during notes.
Closure: Summarize in notes:
What is the difference between like and unlike fractions? Like fractions are fractions that have the same
denominator. Unlike fractions are fractions that have different denominators.
How do you compare like fractions? You only have to compare the numerators when you compare like
fractions.
How do you compare unlike fractions? You must find a common denominator and equivalent fractions to
compare unlike fractions.
Independent Practice: Internet Activities and Homework problems.
Reteach: Holt book pages and tutoring before/after school
http://my.hrw.com/math06_07/teacher/osp/msm1_tx/data/chap04/section07/reteach.pdf
Compare and Order Fractions Lesson Plan
Enrichment: Holt book pages
http://my.hrw.com/math06_07/teacher/osp/msm1_tx/data/chap04/section07/challenge.pdf
Standard(s):
6.1A