Compare Fraction Denominators

Many students will see a larger number in the denominator and think that the bigger number means a bigger value. Fractions are sneaky that way: as the denominator gets bigger, that means that the same whole is being divided into more and more (smaller) pieces. An easy way to help students understand this is to show them a whole being divided using something they're familiar with.

In this activity, students will create a fraction story that shows what happens when a whole is divided into more and more pieces. Some possible wholes for the story might be:

• pizza (as in the example)
• cookies
• pie
• brownies
• wall space
• paper

Student Instructions

Create a fraction story that shows what happens when a whole is divided into more and more pieces. Some possible wholes for the story might be:

• pizza (as in the example)
• cookies
• pie
• brownies
• wall space
• paper

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. In the top row, create an illustration that includes something being broken into pieces.
3. In the bottom row, describe how the piece is broken up in fraction terms.
4. Use any other art or descriptions to help explain how wholes are broken up into pieces.
5. Save and exit when you're done.