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Florida Grade 3 Math · Fractions

MA.3.FR.1.2: Fractions as Sums of Unit Fractions

What this Grade 3 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.

Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC

Download Free Worksheet (PDF)See worked examples

What Is Benchmark MA.3.FR.1.2?

Any fraction m/n can be built by adding the unit fraction 1/n to itself m times. For example, 34 is 14 + 14 + 14.

This includes fractions greater than one. 98 is nine copies of 18, which is one whole (eight eighths) and one more eighth.

Official benchmarkRepresent and interpret fractions, including fractions greater than one, in the form of m/n as the result of adding the unit fraction 1/n to itself m times.

On the FAST test: part of the Grade 3 reporting category Fractional Reasoning, which is about 23–29% of the test.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Building a Fraction

Write 34 as a sum of unit fractions.
  1. 134 means 3 parts that are each 14.
  2. 2Add 14 three times.
Answer: 14 + 14 + 14 = 34

Worked Example 2

A Fraction Greater Than One

How many sixths are in 76? Is it more or less than 1?
  1. 176 is 7 copies of 16.
  2. 26 sixths make one whole: 66 = 1.
  3. 3So 76 is one whole and 16 more.
Answer: 7 sixths; more than 1

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Adding the denominators

Wrong:14 + 14 = 28

You are counting fourths: one fourth plus one fourth is two fourths. 14 + 14 = 24.

Thinking a fraction can't be more than 1

Wrong:54 is not a real fraction.

54 is 5 fourths. Four fourths make one whole, so 54 is one whole and 14 more.

Helpful Math Tip

Count fractions out loud like counting objects: "one fourth, two fourths, three fourths, four fourths, five fourths." Mark each one on a number line.

Related Grade 3 Skills

MA.3.FR.1.1

Unit Fractions

MA.3.FR.1.3

Reading and Writing Fractions

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Independent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.