Non-unit fractions: identifying, representing and comparing

Spine 3: Fractions – Topic 3.3

Primary KS2 Year 3
Mastery PD Materials

Introduction

Learn to name and write non-unit fractions, recognising them as multiples of unit fractions. Learn that fractions are numbers that can be positioned on a number line. Compare and order fractions with the same denominator or same numerator.

Teaching points

Non-unit fractions

  • Teaching point 1: All non-unit fractions are made up of more than one of the same unit fraction.
     
  • Teaching point 2: Non-unit fractions are written using the same convention as unit fractions. A non-unit fraction has a numerator greater than one.
     
  • Teaching point 3: When the numerator and the denominator in a fraction are the same, the fraction is equivalent to one whole.
     

Fractions as numbers

  • Teaching point 4: All unit and non-unit fractions are numbers that can be placed on a number line.
     
  • Teaching point 5: Repeated addition of a unit fraction results in a non-unit fraction.
     
  • Teaching point 6: When the numerator and the denominator are the same, the value of the fraction is one.
     

Comparing fractions

  • Teaching point 7: Non-unit fractions with the same denominator can be compared. If the denominators are the same, then the greater the numerator, the greater the fraction.
     
  • Teaching point 8: Non-unit fractions with the same numerator can be compared. If the numerators are the same, then the greater the denominator, the smaller the fraction.