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3rd grade fractions: what's taught and how to practice

Third grade is when fractions become numbers rather than just pizza slices. Students learn that 1/4 means one of four equal parts, place fractions on a number line, and see that some fractions name the same amount, such as 1/2 = 2/4.

A big 3rd grade idea is comparing fractions that share a numerator or a denominator. The surprising part for children: a bigger bottom number means smaller pieces, so 1/3 > 1/6.

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Worked examples

Same denominator, compare the tops: 5/8 > 3/8, because 5 pieces of the same size are more than 3.
Same numerator, compare the bottoms: 2/3 > 2/5, because thirds are bigger pieces than fifths.
Whole numbers as fractions: 4/4 = 1 and 6/3 = 2.

6 questions for 3rd graders

1/2 ◯ 1/4
3/6 ◯ 5/6
2/8 ◯ 2/3
1/2 = ?/6
1/3 = ?/6
4/5 ◯ 4/10

Use <, > or = for the ◯.

Show answers

1/2 > 1/4
3/6 < 5/6
2/8 < 2/3
1/2 = 3/6
1/3 = 2/6
4/5 > 4/10

Tips for parents

Fold paper strips into halves, thirds and fourths and line them up.
Always ask "equal parts?" A shape cut into unequal pieces isn't showing fourths.
Draw a number line from 0 to 1 and mark fractions on it.

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