enVision Mathematics Grade 3, Topic 13: Fraction Equivalence and Comparison
In this unit, your child compares fractions and finds ones that name the same amount. They see that 1/2 and 2/4 cover the same space, write whole numbers as fractions like 3/3 = 1, and decide which of two fractions is greater by thinking about the size of the parts. Time, liquid volume, and mass come next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 13?
- Finding equivalent fractions, fractions that name the same amount like 2/3 and 4/6, and comparing fractions with the same top or bottom number. Learn more about finding equal fractions, like 1/2 = 2/4: Finding equal fractions, like 1/2 = 2/4 · Learn more about comparing fractions by size
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
A pizza is cut into 6 equal slices. Which fraction names the whole pizza?
- 1/6
- 6/1
- 6/6
How you can help
- Ask your child whether they would rather have 3/4 or 3/8 of the same pizza, and why, while ordering or sharing dinner.
- Use measuring cups with rice or dry cereal to show that two 1/4 cups fill exactly the same amount as one 1/2 cup.
- Fold two same-size strips of paper, one into halves and one into fourths, and line them up to find which fourths match one half.
Where kids can get stuck
- Deciding 3/8 is greater than 3/4 because 8 is larger than 4.
- Comparing halves of different-sized wholes, such as a small and a large pizza, without noticing the wholes differ.
- Thinking 2/4 and 1/2 cannot be equal because the numbers are different.
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
- equivalent fractions
- Different fractions that cover the same amount of the whole.
- compare
- To look at two numbers and tell which is bigger or whether they match.
- greater than
- Bigger than; shown with the symbol >, as in 3/4 > 1/4.
- less than
- Smaller than; shown with the symbol <, as in 1/4 < 3/4.
- numerator
- The top number in a fraction, counting the parts we are talking about.
- denominator
- The bottom number in a fraction, naming how many equal parts the whole has.
- same denominator
- Fractions whose wholes are cut into the same number of equal parts.
- whole
- All of something; in fractions, the thing being split into equal parts.
Want to help your child master comparing fractions?
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 13 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 3 Topic 13 covers this math standard. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 3.NF.A.3: Find equal fractions, like 1/2 = 2/4, and compare fractions by size.
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.