NCERT Maths Mela, Class 5, textbook pages 17–31

How to teach Class 5 Maths Chapter 2, Fractions, at home

Equivalent and comparing fractions, taught with things you already have at home: a 10-minute activity, a game for the week, a 5-day plan and the mistakes to watch for.

1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8

NCERT Class 5 Maths Chapter 2 Fractions: what it teaches

Half of a big chocolate is bigger than half of a small one, so fractions can only be compared when the wholes are the same. Your child finds equivalent fractions (1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6), compares fractions, and places them on a number line.

Why it matters later. Equivalent fractions are needed to add, subtract and compare fractions in Class 6 and 7.

See it: this chapter in pictures

½ of small⅓ of bigcompare only with the same whole
Fractions compare fairly only when the wholes are equal.
3/42/33/4 is longer: 3/4 > 2/3
Same-length strips make comparing easy.
01/41/23/41fractions on a number line
Fractions are numbers with a place on the line.

You need

  • paper strips of equal length
  • a roti or paper circles
  • a ruler
  • coloured pencils

Tonight’s 10 minutes

  1. Fold three equal paper strips into halves, quarters and eighths. Line them up to see that 1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8.
  2. Shade 1/3 of a grid of 6 squares, then of 12 squares. How many squares each time?
  3. Compare 3/4 and 2/3 by drawing both on strips of the same length.
  4. Mark 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 on a number line from 0 to 1.

Words to use

  • numerator
  • denominator
  • equivalent
  • same whole
  • greater than
  • number line

Watch for

  • Thinking 1/8 is bigger than 1/4 because 8 is bigger. Fold strips: eighths are smaller pieces than quarters.
  • Comparing fractions of different-sized wholes. Always use strips or circles of the same size.

What it sounds like at home

A short example of the conversation. Your words will differ; the questions are what matter.

YouIs 1/2 of your chocolate bigger than 1/3 of mine?

Your childYes!

YouEven if mine is much bigger?

Your childOh… we need the same size.

YouShow 1/2 and 2/4 on strips.

Your childThey’re the same length!

A game for this week: Fraction wall race

  1. Make a fraction wall with strips for halves to eighths.
  2. Call a fraction: “3/4!”
  3. Players find an equivalent fraction on the wall.
  4. First correct answer scores a point.

A 5-day plan, 10 minutes a day

  1. Day 1Fold strips into halves, quarters, eighths.
  2. Day 2Shade fractions of grids.
  3. Day 3Compare fractions with strips.
  4. Day 4Fractions on a number line.
  5. Day 5Fraction wall race.

Everyday moments to practise

  • Half and quarter litres of milk.
  • Recipes with ½ and ¼ cups.
  • Sharing pizza or rotis.
  • Fuel gauge: ¾ full.

Quick check

Ask these at the end of the week. Tap to see the answer.

Write two fractions equal to 1/2.

2/4 and 3/6 (others work too).

Which is bigger: 3/4 or 2/3?

3/4.

How many eighths make a half?

4.

Ready for the next chapter when your child…

  • Finds equivalent fractions.
  • Compares fractions of the same whole.
  • Places simple fractions on a number line.

Activities, wording and illustrations are Mathify Kids’ own, following the topics of NCERT’s Maths Mela (Class 5). See the full Class 5 parent guide for every chapter.

Questions parents ask

What are equivalent fractions?

Fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.

How do I compare 3/4 and 2/3?

Draw both on same-length strips, or make equal denominators: 9/12 and 8/12.

Why must the wholes be the same?

Half of a big chocolate is more than half of a small one.