Into Math Grade 3, Unit 4: Fractions
In this unit, your child learns that a fraction is a number that names equal parts of a whole. Children read numerators and denominators, place fractions on a number line, compare them, and find equivalent fractions like 1/2 and 2/4. It grows out of the division work in the last unit, and the next unit turns to shapes, measurement, and data.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 4?
- Understanding a fraction like 2/3, where the denominator, the bottom number, tells the equal parts in the whole and the numerator, the top, tells how many. Learn more: What a fraction like 3/4 means
- Marking fractions on a number line, such as 2/3 two thirds of the way from 0 to 1, including fractions equal to 1 like 3/3. Learn more: Fractions on a number line
- Comparing fractions with the same top or bottom number and recognizing equivalent fractions, ones that name the same amount. 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
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 paper strips into halves, thirds, fourths, and sixths, label the parts, and line the strips up to see which fractions are equal.
- Talk about fractions while measuring for a no-cook recipe, such as 1/2 cup of oats or 3/4 cup of yogurt, and ask which amount is more.
- Mark a hallway or a stretch of sidewalk as a number line from 0 to 1 and have your child walk to 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting shaded and unshaded parts, so 3 of 4 shaded parts is written as 3/1 instead of 3/4.
- Leaving fractions like 4/4 or 6/4 off the number line, thinking fractions only go between 0 and 1.
- Comparing halves of different-size wholes, such as a small and a large pizza, as if they matched.
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 that names equal parts of a whole, like 3/4.
- numerator
- The top number in a fraction; it tells how many equal parts are counted.
- denominator
- The bottom number in a fraction; it tells how many equal parts make the whole.
- unit fraction
- A fraction with 1 on top, like 1/3, naming one equal part.
- number line
- A line with numbers marked in order at equal spaces.
- equivalent fractions
- Fractions that name the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
- compare
- To decide which amount is greater, which is less, or whether they are equal.
- whole
- The entire shape, object, or group before it is split into parts.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with understanding 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 Into Math Grade 3 Unit 4 cover?
Into Math Grade 3 Unit 4 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.