In previous grades, students studied the concept of fractions from several perspectives: as equal parts of a whole, as quantitative fractions, and as representations of ratios. They also studied decimals to three places using cardinal numbers.In this unit, students build on earlier skills to learn the characteristics of equivalent fractions; the reduction (renaming) of fractions to simplest form; fractions as expressions of quotients; and the concepts of common denominator and least common denominator. They also learn to use the greatest common divisor in reducing (renaming) fractions to simplest form; use the least common multiple to find least common denominator; compare the sizes of different fractions; and compare the sizes of fractions and decimals.
