Oakland Terrace Math Grade 4 Unit 3

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Grade 4 Unit 3 ~ Ordering Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions

What Does This Look Like In:

Ordering Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions

Students in Ms. Rosin's and Ms. Shuster's class were given the following list of mixed numbers and improper fractions:

They made representations of each of the values using pattern blocks. They then converted the mixed numbers to improper fractions and the improper fractions to mixed numbers.

Once students represented the values and written the value both as a mixed number and an improper fraction, they are ready to order them. When ordering and comparing values with fractions, students must become adept at converting back and forth between the different forms of the number. They must understand that 7 halves is the same as 3 wholes and 1 half. When they gain a strong foundation on a concrete and pictorial level of fractional values, they will become much better at computing equivalent values in later grades.

Pattern Blocks representing 1 whole or 2/2

Pattern Blocks representing 2 wholes or 4/2

Pattern Blocks representing 2 1/2 or 5/2

Pattern Blocks representing 3 1/2 or 7/2

Because the students have represented each value on a separate piece of paper, when they are ordering them, they can manipulate each card, changing the order when they notice they have made an error. Too often, students are expected to order fractional values without pictorial models to represent them. This activity allows the students to see which values are greater by using their knowledge of the pattern blocks.

These students represented and ordered other values
with thirds as the common denominator.

Indicators
6.4.1.3 recognize and name equivalent fractions.
6.4.2.2 compare and order fractions,
including improper fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators.