Mathematics
Grade 3
15 min
Benchmark fractions
Benchmark fractions
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the benchmark fractions 1/4, 1/2, and 1/10.
Represent benchmark fractions using visual models like number lines and shaded grids.
Match the benchmark fraction 1/2 to its decimal equivalent, 0.50.
Match the benchmark fraction 1/4 to its decimal equivalent, 0.25.
Match the benchmark fraction 1/10 to its decimal equivalent, 0.10.
Use benchmark fractions to estimate quantities in real-world scenarios.
Explain the connection between fractions and decimals using money (quarters, dimes).
If you have a dollar, how many quarters make up half of it? 🪙 Let's find out how common fractions and money are related!
In this lesson, we will learn about special, easy-to-use fractions called benchmark fractions. We will discover how these fractions connect...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
FractionA number that shows a part of a whole or a part of a group. It has a top number (numerator) and a bottom number (denominator).If a pizza has 4 slices and you eat 1, you ate 1/4 of the pizza.
Benchmark FractionA common, simple fraction that is easy to picture and use for estimating. The most common ones are 1/4, 1/2, and 1/10.Saying a glass is 'about half full' uses the benchmark fraction 1/2.
DecimalA number with a decimal point that shows a value smaller than one. It's another way to write a fraction.The price $0.50 is a decimal. It means 50 cents, or half of one dollar.
NumeratorThe top number in a fraction. It tells you how many parts you have.In the fraction 1/4, the numerator is 1.
DenominatorThe bottom number in a fraction. It tells you h...
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Core Formulas
One Half Rule
\frac{1}{2} = 0.50
The fraction 1/2 is the same as the decimal 0.50. Think of it as half of a dollar, which is 50 cents.
One Quarter Rule
\frac{1}{4} = 0.25
The fraction 1/4 is the same as the decimal 0.25. This is like one quarter coin, which is 25 cents or 1/4 of a dollar.
One Tenth Rule
\frac{1}{10} = 0.10
The fraction 1/10 is the same as the decimal 0.10. This is like one dime, which is 10 cents or 1/10 of a dollar.
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Challenging
Two teams are painting a fence. Team A painted 4/10 of the fence. Team B painted 3/6 of the fence. Which statement correctly compares the work done?
A.Team A painted more because 10 is greater than 6.
B.Team A painted more because 4 is greater than 3.
C.Team B painted more because 3/6 is equal to 1/2, and 4/10 is less than 1/2.
D.They painted the same amount.
Challenging
Leo says, 'Since 8 is bigger than 4, 1/8 must be bigger than 1/4.' What is wrong with Leo's reasoning?
A.Nothing is wrong, 1/8 is bigger than 1/4.
B.He is thinking about whole numbers, but with fractions, a larger denominator means smaller pieces.
C.He should have compared the numerators, not the denominators.
D.He can't compare them because the denominators are different.
Challenging
A baker has two partially filled bags of flour. Bag A is 4/5 full. Bag B is 5/8 full. He needs to use the bag that is closer to being full. Which bag should he use and why?
A.Bag A, because it is only 1/5 away from being full, while Bag B is 3/8 away.
B.Bag B, because 8 is a bigger number than 5.
C.Bag A, because 4/5 is less than 1/2.
D.Bag B, because 5/8 is closer to 1/2.
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