Compare fractions with like numerators or denominators

Learning Objectives Identify the numerator and denominator in a fraction. Explain what 'like numerators' and 'like denominators' mean. Compare two fractions with the same denominator using the symbols >, <, and =. Compare two fractions with the same numerator using the symbols >, <, and =. Use visual fraction models to prove their comparisons are correct. Explain the rule for comparing fractions with like denominators (bigger numerator is bigger). Explain the rule for comparing fractions with like numerators (smaller denominator is bigger). If you and a friend both get 1 piece of cake, but your cake was cut into 3 slices and theirs was cut into 8, who gets the bigger piece? 🍰 Let's find out! In this lesson, we will learn how to compar...

TermDefinitionExample FractionA number that shows a part of a whole. It has a top number and a bottom number.1/2 means one part out of two equal parts. NumeratorThe top number in a fraction. It tells you how many parts you have.In the fraction 3/4, the numerator is 3. DenominatorThe bottom number in a fraction. It tells you how many equal parts the whole is divided into.In the fraction 3/4, the denominator is 4. Like DenominatorsWhen two or more fractions have the exact same bottom number (denominator).2/8 and 5/8 have like denominators because they are both 8. Like NumeratorsWhen two or more fractions have the exact same top number (numerator).3/4 and 3/5 have like numerators because they are both 3. Comparison SymbolsSymbols used to show if a number is greater than (>), less than (&l...

Rule for Like Denominators When denominators are the same, the fraction with the greater numerator is the greater fraction. \frac{a}{d} > \frac{b}{d} \text{ if } a > b Use this rule when the bottom numbers of the fractions you are comparing are the same. Just look at the top numbers to see which one is bigger. Rule for Like Numerators When numerators are the same, the fraction with the smaller denominator is the greater fraction. \frac{n}{a} > \frac{n}{b} \text{ if } a < b Use this rule when the top numbers are the same. Remember that a smaller denominator means the whole is cut into fewer, bigger pieces.