Using two different methods, students will learn about equivalent fractions.

Students will discover that 1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8.

 

• Students will make a fraction plate and use it as a physical model to show equivalent fractions.

• Students will compare fractions.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Mathematics
Number, Number Sense and Operations Standard

Benchmark D:
Use models, points of reference and equivalent forms of commonly used fractions to judge the size of fractions and to compare, describe and order them.

Indicators
Number and Number Systems
Grade 3
5. Represent fractions and mixed numbers using works, numerals and physical models.

6. Compare and order commonly used fractions and mixed numbers using number lines, models (such as fraction circles or bars), points of reference (such as more or less than 1/2) and equivalent forms using physical or visual models.

Computation and Estimation
Grade 4
10. Use physical models, visual representations, paper and pencil to add and subtract decimals and commonly used fractions with like denominators.

Materials

• Two paper plates per student

• Blue strips of paper, 2 x 8 inches

• Orange strips of paper, 2 x 8 inches

• Pencils

• Markers, crayons, etc.

Procedure

1. Provide each student with two paper plates, and have them color one of them. Have them make a cut on both plates just to the middle. Slide one cut inside the other.

2. Have students rotate the plates so that one half of each plate is showing. Draw a line down the middle of the plate using the 1/2 mark that was dialed.

3. Then draw another line on the colored plate cutting the half in half.

4. Finally, on the colored plate, draw two more lines cutting the shaded 1/2 into 4 equal pieces (making it really into eighths).

5. Now when students dial the 1/2 they will readily see that it is equivalent to 2/4 or 4/8.
   

Another method to demonstrate equivalent fractions is with strips of colored paper.

1. Leave the blue strip of paper whole. Label it “1.”

2. Cut one orange strip in half. Label each piece “1/2.” Place the two pieces above the blue whole strip, showing that two halves equal one whole.
   3. Cut the next strip of orange paper in half twice to make fourths. Place these pieces above the halves. This shows that 2/4 = 1/2, and 4/4 = 2/2 = 1.

3. Finally cut the last strip of orange paper into eighths. Place these pieces above the fourths. This shows that 1/4 = 2/8; 2/4 = 4/8 = 1/2; 8/8 = 1, etc.

Example: Fraction Bars

Evaluation

Using the paper plate and fraction bars, write the equivalent fractions for 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4.