Same Denominator, Same Numerator: Who's Greater?

Shared by Stacy Bort★ Featured Teacher · rated 90+ in our quality review

4th GradeBTC Style / Thinking Classrooms60 min

Learning Objective

Students will compare fractions with the same denominator or same numerator using visual and reasoning strategies, and explain the underlying patterns using precise fraction vocabulary.

Lesson Overview

Students progress from labeling fraction strips to comparing fractions with the same denominator, then same numerator, building toward explaining and applying both patterns — including correcting a classic misconception.

Materials

Pencil and paper
Whiteboard and markers (teacher)
Vertical whiteboard or large paper surface per group

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1

Draw a fraction strip for a whole, then draw and label fraction strips showing halves, fourths, and eighths. Write the fraction each piece represents under each strip.

Hint: Each strip should be the same total length as the whole.

2Task 2

Look at your fraction strips. Circle the greater fraction in each pair. Then write a sentence explaining the pattern you notice.

\frac{1}{8}

\frac{3}{8}

\frac{2}{8}

\frac{5}{8}

\frac{4}{8}

\frac{7}{8}

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