Virginia SOL 3.NS.3.f
The Standard
Compare two fractions (proper or improper) and/or mixed numbers with like numerators of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 (e.g., 2 3 > 2 8 ) using words (greater than, less than, equal to) and/or symbols (>, <, =), using area/region models, length models, and without models.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will use mathematical reasoning and justification to represent and compare fractions (proper and improper) and mixed numbers with denominators of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10), including those in context.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare fractions and mixed numbers that have the same numerator. They use area models, number lines, words, and comparison symbols. They recognize that with equal numerators, fewer equal parts make larger pieces.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly compare proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers with matching numerators. They can justify each comparison with an area model, length model, or the size of the equal parts.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think a larger denominator makes a larger fraction because the denominator is a larger number. They may also ignore the whole-number part of a mixed number or reverse the comparison symbol.
How to Assess It
- Give students 4/3 and 4/5. Ask them to draw a length model, write >, <, or =, and explain their choice in words.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build 3/4 and 3/8 with fraction strips, then place the correct comparison symbol between them.
Ask students to explain why 5/6 is greater than 5/10 without using the phrase larger denominator.
Match fraction cards, model cards, and comparison cards, then have partners check each completed set.
Compare two ribbon orders measuring 2/3 meter and 2/5 meter, and decide which customer receives more ribbon.
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Printable 3.NS.3.f Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 2.NS.3.f
Compare unit fractions for halves, fourths, eighths, thirds, and sixths using words (greater than, less than or equal to) and symbols (>, <, =), with region/are...
- 4.NS.3.b
Compare and order no more than four fractions (proper or improper), and/or mixed numbers, with like numerators and unlike denominators by comparing the size of ...
- 3.NS.3.g
Compare two fractions (proper or improper) and/or mixed numbers with like denominators of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 (e.g., 3 6 < 4 6 ) using words (greater than,...
- 4.NS.3.d
Compare two fractions (proper or improper) and/or mixed numbers using fractions with denominators of 12 or less, using the symbols >, <, and = (e.g., 2 3 > 1 7 ...
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