Virginia SOL 4.NS.3.a
The Standard
Compare and order no more than four fractions (proper or improper), and/or mixed numbers, with like denominators by comparing the number of parts (numerators) using fractions with denominators of 12 or less (e.g., 1 5 < 3 5 ). Justify comparisons orally, in writing, or with a model.*
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will use mathematical reasoning and justification to represent, compare, and order fractions (proper, improper, and mixed numbers with denominators 12 or less), with and without models.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare fractions and mixed numbers that have the same denominator. They order up to four numbers by looking at whole amounts and the number of equal parts, then justify the order.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly compare and order up to four proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers with the same denominator. They explain that equal denominators show equal-sized parts, then use whole numbers and numerators to decide the order.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may compare denominators instead of numerators, even when the pieces are the same size. They may also ignore whole numbers in mixed numbers or assume every improper fraction is greater than every mixed number.
How to Assess It
- Give students 5/8, 11/8, 7/8, and 1 5/8. Ask them to order the numbers from least to greatest and justify their order with words or a model.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give students fraction strips marked in twelfths, then have them build and order four teacher-selected fractions and mixed numbers.
Ask students to explain which is greater, 9/7 or 1 1/7, using the words whole, numerator, and denominator.
Play a card game where students draw four fraction cards with matching denominators and race to arrange them from least to greatest.
Show four ribbon lengths measured in eighths of a yard, then have students order the lengths and explain their reasoning.
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Printable 4.NS.3.a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 4.NS.3.a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 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 ...
- 6.NS.1.e
Use multiple strategies (e.g., benchmarks, number line, equivalency) to compare and order no more than four positive rational numbers expressed as fractions (pr...
- 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 ...
- 4.NS.3.c
Use benchmarks (e.g., 0, 1 2 , or 1) to compare and order no more than four fractions (proper or improper), and/or mixed numbers, with like and unlike denominat...
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