enVision Mathematics Grade 3, Topic 12: Understand Fractions as Numbers
In this unit, your child learns that a fraction names equal parts of a whole and is a number in its own right. They read 3/4 as 3 parts of size 1/4, split shapes and lengths into equal parts, and place fractions on a number line between 0 and 1 and beyond. Next comes comparing fractions and finding ones that are equal.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 12?
- Naming fractions like 2/3, where the numerator, the top number, counts the equal parts taken out of the 3 in the whole. Learn more: What a fraction like 3/4 means
- Locating fractions on a number line, including ones greater than 1 like 5/4, by counting equal spaces from 0. Learn more: Fractions on a number line
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Tariq is painting this paper strip blue for a class banner. So far he has painted the blue parts. What fraction of the strip does he still need to paint?
- 5/3
- 3/8
- 5/8
How you can help
- Fold a sheet of paper in half and then in half again, and ask your child to name each part and explain why the parts got smaller.
- Lay a strip of tape on the floor, call the ends 0 and 1, mark it in fourths, and have your child hop to 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4.
- Ask your child to share a granola bar fairly among 3 people by breaking it, and name each share as one third.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting the tick marks instead of the spaces on a number line, so fourths get labeled as fifths.
- Counting shaded and unshaded parts instead of shaded and total parts, so 3 of 4 shaded becomes 3/1.
- Thinking fractions only go between 0 and 1, and leaving numbers like 4/4 or 6/4 off the line.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- fraction
- A number like 3/4 that tells about equal parts of something.
- numerator
- The top number of a fraction; it tells how many equal parts we have.
- denominator
- The bottom number of a fraction; it tells how many equal parts make the whole.
- unit fraction
- A fraction for one equal part, like 1/3 or 1/8.
- number line
- A straight line marked with numbers in order, with equal spaces between them.
- interval
- The space between two marks on a number line.
- whole
- The entire shape, object, or group before it is split.
- equal parts
- Pieces of a whole that are the same size as each other.
Want to help your child master fractions as numbers?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does enVision Mathematics Grade 3 Topic 12 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 3 Topic 12 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.