Cogito
Grade 4 Math · Chapter 5 · Lesson 1
A Fraction Counts Units
The bottom number names what you are counting.
10 problems · about 14 minutes · 4.NF.B.3
What this lesson teaches
The child reads a fraction as a count of unit fractions and names the unit.
- A unit fraction is one equal piece.
- The bottom number names the pieces.
- The top number counts how many you have.
Warm-Up Review
From earlier lessons. Loosen up before the new work.
2 problemsReview — Number Patterns: Start at 7, add 4. What is the 5th term?
Answer 23
Why Four steps of 4 from 7 gives 23.
Review — Multiples: Smallest common multiple of 4 and 10?
Answer 20
Why 20 appears in both lists.
Warm Up
Straightforward practice. Get the method working first.
4 problemsHow many sixths are in 5/6?
Answer 5
Why 5/6 is 5 copies of 1/6.
What does the bottom number of a fraction do?
Answer It names the pieces.
Why The bottom number names the unit. The top number counts it.
How many quarters are in 3/4?
Answer 3
Why The top number counts them.
In 5/12, what does the 12 tell you?
Answer The pieces are twelfths.
Why The bottom number names, the top counts.
Build It Up
The same ideas with more to keep track of.
2 problemsHow many eighths make one whole?
Answer 8
Why 8/8.
How many fifths are in 6/5?
Answer 6
Why More than a whole is allowed.
Stretch Yourself
Mixed problems. Work out what kind of question it is before you start.
2 problemsThe Pizza: A pizza is cut into 6 equal slices. Ana eats 4. How many sixths did she eat?
Answer 4 sixths
Why 4 sixths, written 4/6.
The Ribbon: How many tenths make up 7/10?
Answer 7 tenths
Why 7/10 is 7 copies of 1/10.