Fractions and Decimals

Grade 5 · Mathematics

Semester 1 | Period 3 | Week 16

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Subject: Mathematics

Semester: 1

Period: 3

Week: 16


School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: Mathematics
Grade Level: Grade 5
Date: Week 16
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 16, Period 3
Topic: Fractions and Decimals
Sub-topic: Comparing, Ordering & Converting Fractions

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Compare fractions with same and different denominators
  2. Order fractions from least to greatest or vice versa
  3. Convert fractions to decimals
  4. Convert decimals to fractions

Previous Knowledge
Students already know place value of decimals and basic fraction operations

Instructional Materials
Mathematics textbook for Grade 5, base-10 models, number lines

Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Teacher writes 2/5 and 3/5 on the board. Asks which is greater and why.

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes
Definitions and Explanations:
Comparing Fractions with Like Denominators: When two fractions have the same denominator, compare the numerators directly. The larger numerator indicates the larger fraction. Example: 4/9<5/9 because 5 > 4.
Comparing Fractions with Unlike Denominators: When denominators are different, use cross multiplication or find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) to make equivalent fractions.
– Cross Multiply: Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second and vice versa. Compare the results.
Example: Compare 2/3 and 3/5
→ Cross multiply: 2×5=10, 3×3=9. Since 10 > 9, 2/3>3/5.
– LCD Method: Find a common denominator, convert both fractions, and compare numerators.
Example: 1/4 and 2/5
→ LCD of 4 and 5 = 20
→ 1/4=5/20, 2/5=8/20 → 2/5>1/4
Ordering Fractions: Arrange from least to greatest or greatest to least using LCD or cross multiplication.
Example: Order 3/8,1/2,5/6
→ Convert to common denominator or decimals: 3/8=0.375, 1/2=0.5, 5/6≈0.833
→ Ordered: 3/8<1/2<5/6
Converting Fractions to Decimals: Divide the numerator by the denominator.
Example: 3/4=3÷4=0.75, 2/5=0.4

Converting Decimals to Fractions: For terminating decimals, write the decimal as a fraction over 10, 100, 1000, etc., then simplify.
Example:
→ 0.6 = 6/10=3/5
→ 0.125 = 125/1000=1/8
Examples:

  1. Compare 4/9 and 5/9: Same denominator → 5 > 4 → 5/9>4/9
  2. Compare 2/3: Cross multiplication → 10 > 9 → 2/3>3/5
  3. Order 1/3,3/5,2/7:

Convert to decimals: 1/3=0.333, 3/5=0.6, 2/7≈0.286

→ Ordered: 2/7<1/3<3/5

  1. Convert ¾ to decimal → 0.75
  2. Convert 0.6 to fraction → 6/10=3/5

Learners’ Activities (Expanded):
Students work in pairs to compare fractions using cross multiplication cards. Each card shows two fractions; learners cross multiply and circle the larger result.
In groups, learners use number lines to arrange fractions from least to greatest. Each student places a fraction card in the correct spot along a drawn number line (0 to 1).
Pairs are given a set of mixed decimals and fractions, and they must convert all to one form (either decimals or fractions), then sort them in order.
Learners convert real-life decimal prices (like 0.25, 0.75) into fractions and explain how they did it.
Assessment Checks:

  1. Teacher writes on the board: Compare 3/5 and 4/7. Ask: “Which is greater?”
    → Solution: 3×7=21, 4×5=20

→ 3/5>4/7

  1. Order the following fractions: 2/3,4/6,3/4
    → Convert to decimals: 0.666,0.666,0.75

→ Order: 2/3=4/6<3/4

  1. Convert 2/5 to a decimal: 2÷5=0.4
  2. Convert 0.75 into a fraction: 75/100=3/4
  3. Compare: Which is larger: 5/8 or 7/12?
    → Cross multiply: 5×12=60, 7×8=56

→ 5/8>7/12

Notes (Expanded & Detailed):
Understanding how to compare, order, and convert fractions and decimals is essential for real-life decision-making such as budgeting, cooking, and interpreting data.
Fractions with the same denominator are straightforward—compare numerators directly.
Fractions with different denominators require more reasoning—cross multiplication is a quick and visual method, while the LCD method builds foundational skills for algebra.
Decimals and fractions are just different forms of the same value; being able to convert between them helps learners in higher math, measurement, and data interpretation.
Use of visual tools like number lines and base-10 blocks reinforces understanding, especially when comparing or converting.
Teachers should emphasize estimation and reasoning. For example, “Is 0.6 more or less than ½?” encourages learners to think beyond rules and understand value.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary: Fractions can be compared using denominators or cross multiplication. They can also be changed to decimals for easier comparison.

Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip/quiz:
Order: 1/2, 3/8, 5/6
Convert: 0.25 to fraction

Assignment (Expanded):
Convert 7/10 to decimal
Convert 0.125 to fraction
Order: 2/3, 3/4, 5/12

Follow-up Activity:
Learners create a chart comparing fractions and decimals from 0–1.

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Use number lines for visual learners. Give advanced learners word problems involving comparisons in context.

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☑ Medium ☑ Low