What are Unit Fractions?

Are your students asking this question as they expand their math vocabulary knowledge? This vocabulary term comes up as early as 3rd grade and is an important component of understanding fractions as a whole. 

A unit fraction is a fraction where the numerator is 1, and the denominator is a positive integer. In other words, a unit fraction is a fraction of the form 1/n, where n is a positive integer. For example, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, and 1/10 are all unit fractions. Unit fractions are also used for composing and decomposing fractions.

If you are looking for a fun way to help your students understand the different ways to represent a fraction, you have come to the right place. Teach Starter has developed a set of 6 four-piece puzzles for your students to complete.

To complete each puzzle, students will find a piece with the following:

• A fraction in word form
• A fraction on a number line
• A fraction model
• A fraction written with a numerator and denominator

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this puzzle to enhance learning through guided math groups or whole class lessons.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by limiting the number of pieces required to complete a puzzle. Students can focus on finding 2 or 3 matching pieces rather than 4.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

If there are students who need an additional challenge, consider using the editable version to create pieces that have fractions other than unit fractions.

👯 Find Your Match

Provide each student in your class with either a puzzle piece. Challenge the students to find the students with pieces that represent the same fraction. Each completed puzzle will have 4 pieces. For an extra challenge, make the activity a race, or ask the students to complete the task in silence!

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Representations of Unit Fractions Poster

A poster showing various representations of some common unit fractions.

teaching resource

Unit Fractions – Poster Pack

Display unit fraction models with this set of 6 classroom posters.

teaching resource

Identifying Fractions – Task Cards

Practice interpreting visual representations of fractions with this set of twenty task cards.