i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Grade 3, Unit 5: Fractions
In this unit, your child learns that fractions describe equal parts of a whole and are numbers on a number line. They split shapes into equal parts, build fractions from unit fractions, and compare and find equivalent fractions. This follows area work, where equal squares mattered, and leads into a unit on shapes, time, and measuring with fractions of an inch.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 5?
- Understanding 4/6 as 4 parts of size 1/6, where the numerator, the top number, counts the parts and the denominator names their size. Learn more: What a fraction like 3/4 means
- Using number lines to show fractions as distances from 0, such as 2/3 being two thirds of the way to 1. Learn more: Fractions on a number line
- Comparing fractions by the size and number of parts, and finding equal ones like 3/6 and 1/2 on number lines. 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
- Splitting rectangles, circles, and other shapes into equal parts and naming one part as a unit fraction. Learn more: Splitting shapes into equal parts
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 paper napkin into sixths and color 4 parts, then ask your child to name the fraction and how many sixths make a half.
- Ask how far along you are on a walk to the corner in fractions, such as one third of the way or two thirds.
- Ask whether your child would rather have 1/3 or 1/6 of the same sandwich at lunch, and listen to how they explain the size of the pieces.
Where kids can get stuck
- Choosing 1/6 over 1/3 of a sandwich, thinking 6 means more.
- Counting the tick marks instead of the spaces, so a line split into fourths gets labeled in fifths.
- Splitting a circle into parts of different sizes and calling them sixths.
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 with 1 on top, like 1/4, that names one equal part.
- number line
- A straight line marked with numbers in order, with equal spaces between them.
- equivalent fractions
- Different fractions that cover the same amount of the whole.
- partition
- To divide something into parts, usually parts of the same size.
- compare
- To decide which number is greater, less, or if they are equal.
Want to help your child master third-grade 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 i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Grade 3 Unit 5 cover?
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Grade 3 Unit 5 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.