Number sense and mathematics · Learning activity

Fraction studio

Use equal parts to compare two amounts and explain their sum.

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Every bar represents the same unit whole. A shaded part counts toward the numerator. The common-denominator calculation renames both fractions using the same-sized parts. This activity accepts fractions from zero to one; the sum may exceed one.

Try 1/3 and 1/6. Before checking, predict the sum and explain why the result cannot be 2/9. Then compare 5/8 and 2/3.