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Mathematics - Elementary Curriculum Mathematics Grade 4
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Standard 4.NF.3

Understand a fraction a/b with a >1 as a sum of fractions 1/b. In other words, any fraction is a sum of unit fractions.

  • Addition of Fractions Using a Visual Model
    Adding two fractions with unlike denominators is the focus of this video lesson. Students will learn how to use a visual model to work with these fractions. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.
  • Comparing Fractions with Lines
    This lesson will help students simplify fractions, compare and order them on a number line, and estimate their value.
  • Comparing Sums of Unit Fractions
    The purpose of this task is to help develop students' understanding of addition of fractions; it is intended as an instructional task.
  • Comparing Two Different Pizzas
    Students are given the example of two whole pizzas, one large and one medium. They must determine what fraction of the two pizzas has been eaten if someone eats 2 slices of the medium pizza. They must explain their reasoning and draw a picture to illustrate their solution.
  • Cynthia's Perfect Punch
    The purpose of this task is for students to estimate and compute sums of mixed numbers in the context of a student making a punch recipe.
  • Fraction King
    This is a lesson plan to help students compare two fractions and understand the addition and subtraction of fractions.
  • Grade 4 Mathematics Module 5: Fraction Equivalence, Ordering, and Operations
    In this 40-day module, students build on their Grade 3 work with unit fractions as they explore fraction equivalence and extend this understanding to mixed numbers. This leads to the comparison of fractions and mixed numbers and the representation of both in a variety of models. Benchmark fractions play an important part in students ability to generalize and reason about relative fraction and mixed number sizes. Students then have the opportunity to apply what they know to be true for whole number operations to the new concepts of fraction and mixed number operations.
  • Grade 4 Unit 4: Operations with Fractions (Georgia Standards)
    In this unit students will identify visual and written representations of fractions, understand representations of simple equivalent fractions, understand the concept of mixed numbers with common denominators to 12, add and subtract fractions with common denominators, add and subtract mixed numbers with common denominators and convert mixed numbers to improper fractions and improper fractions to mixed fractions.
  • Histograms and Bar Graphs
    This lesson will introduce students to histograms and bar graphs and help them understand the difference between them.
  • Making 22 Seventeenths in Different Ways
    This is a straightforward task related to adding fractions with the same denominator. The main purpose is to emphasize that there are many ways to decompose a fraction as a sum of fractions, similar to decompositions of whole numbers that students should have seen in earlier grades. It is suitable for assessment or, with opportunity for classroom discussion, it could also be useful in instruction.
  • Multiply Fractions Jeopardy
    This game can be played by one or two players as they solve multiplication problems with fractions.
  • Number and Operations - Fractions (3.NF) - Third Grade Core Guide
    The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and educators around the state of Utah developed these guides for Third Grade Mathematics - Number and Operations - Fractions (3.NF)
  • Number and Operations - Fractions (4.NF) - Fourth Grade Core Guide
    The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and educators around the state of Utah developed these guides for Fourth Grade Mathematics - Number and Operations - Fractions (4.NF)
  • Peaches
    This task provides a context where it is appropriate for students to subtract fractions with a common denominator; it could be used for either assessment or instructional purposes.
  • Plastic Building Blocks
    The purpose of this task is to have students add mixed numbers with like denominators when given a problem in the context of two students building a castle out of building blocks.
  • Rational Number Project
    This portal leads to 28 lesson plans designed to help students understand the four operations with fractions.
  • Single Fraction Finder
    In this lesson students will practice dividing a whole into a fraction and visualize fractions on a number line.
  • Subtraction of Fractions Using a Visual Model
    Students will learn how to subtract fractions with unlike denominators by using a visual model. NOTE: You have to create a Free PBS Account to view this web page, but it is easy to do and worth the effort.
  • Sugar in Six Cans of Soda
    In this task students are given the statement "For a certain brand of orange soda, each can contains 4/15 cup of sugar." They are asked to calculate how many cups of sugar are in six cans and then draw a picture representing the answer.
  • What Fraction of this Shape is Red?
    This Teaching Channel video shows how students can explore part and whole by creating pattern block designs. (4 minutes)
  • Writing a Mixed Number as an Equivalent Fraction
    This task relates to writing a mixed number as an equivalent fraction. The purpose of this task is to help students understand and articulate the reasons for the steps in the usual algorithm for converting a mixed number into an equivalent fraction,


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialists - Patricia  Stephens-French or Molly  Basham and see the Mathematics - Elementary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.