Fractions - Compare and order (numerator) - Presentation

In a comprehensive lesson plan, students are introduced to the concept of comparing and ordering fractions with a focus on the numerators. The lesson starts by asking students to define the term 'numerator' and to use it in a sentence. They then move on to a discussion about the relationship between the numerators and denominators in fractions. The key learning point is that when fractions have the same denominator, the fraction with the larger numerator is greater, and conversely, when the numerators are the same, the fraction with the smaller denominator is greater. Students are encouraged to engage with this concept through various activities, such as completing fractions on bar models and ordering them accordingly.

Further into the lesson, students are introduced to Malachi's method of comparing fractions by finding the Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) of the numerators. They apply this method to various sets of fractions to determine which is larger. Additionally, reasoning tasks challenge students to consider the effectiveness of different strategies for comparing fractions, such as finding a common denominator or numerator. Students are prompted to explain their reasoning and methods, reinforcing their understanding of the concepts. The lesson culminates with independent work where students use bar models and the LCM of numerators to compare and order fractions, encouraging them to articulate the most effective strategies for these tasks.