Compare fractions

Learning Objectives Compare two fractions with the same numerator by reasoning about their size. Compare two fractions with the same denominator by reasoning about their size. Use the symbols >, <, and = to correctly record the results of fraction comparisons. Explain their fraction comparisons using visual models like number lines or fraction bars. Compare fractions to the benchmark fraction 1/2. Solve simple word problems that involve comparing fractions. Would you rather have 1/4 of a giant cookie or 1/3 of the same cookie? 🍪 Let's learn how to figure out which piece is bigger! In this lesson, we will learn different ways to compare fractions to see which is greater, which is less, or if they are equal. Knowing how to compare fractions helps us make fair shar...

TermDefinitionExample FractionA number that shows a part of a whole. A fraction is made of two parts: a numerator and a denominator.The fraction 1/4 means we have 1 part out of 4 equal parts that make up a whole. NumeratorThe top number in a fraction. It tells you how many equal parts of the whole you have.In the fraction 3/5, the numerator is 3. This means you have 3 parts. DenominatorThe bottom number in a fraction. It tells you how many equal parts the whole is divided into.In the fraction 3/5, the denominator is 5. This means the whole was cut into 5 equal pieces. Greater Than (>)A symbol used to show that the first number or fraction is larger than the second one.5/8 > 3/8 means five-eighths is greater than three-eighths. Less Than (<)A symbol used to show that the first num...

Same Denominator Rule If $d_1 = d_2$, then $\frac{n_1}{d_1} > \frac{n_2}{d_2}$ if $n_1 > n_2$. When two fractions have the same denominator, the pieces are the same size. So, you just compare the numerators. The fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction because you have more pieces. Same Numerator Rule If $n_1 = n_2$, then $\frac{n_1}{d_1} > \frac{n_1}{d_2}$ if $d_1 < d_2$. When two fractions have the same numerator, you have the same number of pieces. Now you must look at the denominator to see which pieces are bigger. A smaller denominator means the whole was cut into fewer, larger pieces. So, the fraction with the smaller denominator is greater.