Practise Ordering Unit Fractions

In this activity, we will be learning how to compare and order unit fractions. 

 

First of all, we need to check that we know the words numerator and denominator!

 

 

Don't worry!

The numerator is the number on the top of a fraction.

The denominator is the number on the bottom of a fraction.

 

A unit fraction uses one as a numerator. 

 

We can compare unit fractions by looking at their denominators. 

The larger the denominator, the smaller the unit fraction.

 

Let's look at an example of comparing unit fractions.

 

Example

Place these fractions in order from smallest to largest.

 

 

Answer

We can use the fraction strips to help us compare the fractions. 

 

The fractions can be ordered like this. 

1/4, 1/5, 1/7, 1/8

 

We should also notice that the larger the denominator, the smaller the fraction. 

This is because, as we cut a whole into more pieces, each piece gets smaller.

 

Sometimes, it is helpful to imagine sharing a cake or pizza into fractions. This can really help us to picture just how big or small a particular fraction is.

For example, if you were offered the choice of having 1/4 of your favourite pizza or cake, or 1/8, which would you go for?

 

 

Let's get started!