Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Prerequisite Knowledge

• Recognise, find and name a half as one of two equal parts of an object, shape or quantity
• Recognise, find and name a quarter as one of four equal parts of an object, shape or quantity. 

Success Criteria

• order positive fractions
• apply the four operations, including formal written methods, simple fractions (proper and improper)
• express one quantity as a fraction of another, where the fraction is less than 1 or greater than 1
• apply the four operations, including formal written methods, to mixed numbers both positive and negative;
• interpret fractions as operators
• express a multiplicative relationship between two quantities as a fraction
• calculate exactly with fractions

Key Concepts

• Fractions represent a proportion of an amount hence the equivalence with decimals and percentages.
• A fraction is equivalent to a division
• All rational numbers are written using exact proper or improper fractions.
• When adding or subtracting fractions the denominators need to be equal.
• Dividing fractions is equivalent to multiplying by a reciprocal.

Common Misconceptions

• A shape that is split in two is not necessarily split in half. A half must be two equal proportions of a shape.
• A fraction with a larger denominator has the greater value.
• A fraction with a smaller denominator has a lesser value.
• Fractions such as 3/5 incorrectly have a decimal equivalence of 3.5.