TOPIC 2 · GRADE 3 FOUNDATION

One Fraction, Many Models

Connect fraction circles, bars, sets, words, and symbols.

MA.3.FR.1.1–1.3

BIG IDEA

The same fraction can describe part of an area, a point on a number line, or part of a group, as long as the whole is clearly defined.

WHAT TO KNOW

  • Area models divide one shape into equal regions.
  • Set models count equal-status objects in one collection.
  • Fraction strips make it easy to compare parts of equal-sized wholes.

WATCH OUT

The numerator and denominator do not count two unrelated things; together they name one number.

TRY IT

Switch among pie, bar, and set models without changing the fraction.