Grade 3

What is a proper fraction?

proper fraction

A fraction where the top number is smaller than the bottom number.

For example

Three quarters of the cake is left: a proper fraction, less than one whole.

In Grade 3

Children compare the top and bottom numbers and check the fraction is less than one whole.

Watch out for

Children often think any fraction at all is proper. It is only proper while the top number stays smaller than the bottom.

Say it at home

Say a fraction and ask your child whether it is less than one whole or more.

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