Grade 4
Unit 4
The following specific topics will be addressed during this unit ending
approximately mid-January (end of marking period 2):
By the end of this unit, students will understand:
● The value of a fraction in relation to a whole number.
● That two fractions are equivalent.
● That different models can represent the same value.
● Addition as joining parts & subtraction as separating parts of the same whole.
● Whether to use addition or subtraction when solving word problems involving fractions.
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
● Create a model that depicts a fraction’s value
● Determine if given fractions are equivalent.
● Use multiple strategies to identify equivalent fractions.
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Use symbols (>,<, =) to compare fractions with the same denominator and different
numerators.
Use benchmark fractions to compare fractions.
● Use fraction models to add and subtract fractions with like denominators.
● Use fraction models, number lines, and equations to represent word problems.
● Write a decomposed fraction using an equation.
Essential Questions:
How are fractions and whole numbers related?
What are the different ways to show, build, and decompose fractions in order to solve problems?
How can we visually represent and verify fractional computation?
How do we compare fractions?
We will be using the following strategies to help your children
understand the concepts taught during this unit
Area Model for Fractions
Fraction Set Models
Fraction Tiles Number Lines
Fraction Number Lines and
Open Number Lines
ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY
numerator, denominator, benchmark fractions, whole, equivalent fractions, mixed number, proper
fraction, improper fraction
Standards
It is critical that students...
● Extend understanding of fraction equivalence and ordering.
● Build fractions from unit fractions by applying and extending previous understandings of operations
on whole numbers.
CCSS Mathematical Substandards
4.NF.A.1- Equivalent fractions - Explain why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (n × a)/(n × b) by
using visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the parts differ even
though the two fractions themselves are the same size. Use this principle to recognize and generate
equivalent fractions.
4.NF.A.2- Compare fractions - Compare two fractions with different numerators and different
denominators, e.g., by creating common denominators or numerators, or by comparing to a
benchmark fraction such as 1/2. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions
refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or 1 as a sum of
fractions 1/b.
4.NF.B.3b- Decompose - Decompose a fraction into a sum of fractions with the same denominator in
more than one way, recording each decomposition by an equation. Justify decompositions, e.g., by
using a visual fraction model. Examples: 3/8 = 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 ; 3/8 = 1/8 + 2/8 ; 2 1/8 = 1 + 1 + 1/8 =
8/8 + 8/8 + 1/8.
4.NF.B.3c- Add & subtract mixed numbers -Add and subtract mixed numbers with like denominators,
e.g., by replacing each mixed number with an equivalent fraction, and/or by using properties of
operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.