Mathematics
Grade 3
15 min
Order fractions
Order fractions
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the numerator and denominator in a fraction.
Compare two fractions with the same denominator by looking at their numerators.
Compare two fractions with the same numerator by looking at their denominators.
Order a set of three or more fractions with like denominators from least to greatest.
Order a set of three or more fractions with like numerators from least to greatest.
Correctly use the greater than (>) and less than (<) symbols to compare fractions.
If you had a choice between 1/8 of a pizza and 1/4 of a pizza, which piece would you choose? 🍕 Let's find out which one is bigger!
In this lesson, we will learn how to compare and order fractions. Understanding how to order fractions helps us know which amount is bigger or smaller, wh...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
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 us how many parts we have.In the fraction 3/4, the numerator is 3. It means we have 3 parts.
DenominatorThe bottom number in a fraction. It tells us how many equal parts the whole is divided into.In the fraction 3/4, the denominator is 4. It means the whole is divided into 4 equal parts.
Unit FractionA fraction where the numerator is 1. It represents one single part of the whole.1/3, 1/5, and 1/8 are all unit fractions.
Greater Than (>)A symbol used to show that the first number is larger than the second number.5 > 2 means 5 is greater than 2. The symbol opens towards the bigger number,...
3
Core Formulas
Rule 1: Same Denominator
If denominators are the same, the fraction with the larger numerator is the larger fraction. For fractions a/c and b/c, if a > b, then a/c > b/c.
Use this rule when the bottom numbers of the fractions you are comparing are the same. This means the size of the slices is the same, so you just need to count who has more slices.
Rule 2: Same Numerator
If numerators are the same, the fraction with the smaller denominator is the larger fraction. For fractions a/b and a/c, if b < c, then a/b > a/c.
Use this rule when the top numbers are the same. This means you have the same number of slices, but the size of the slices is different. A smaller denominator means the whole was cut into fewer, bigger pieces.
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
Which list shows the fractions 2/3, 1/2, 3/4, and 2/8 in order from smallest to largest?
A.1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 2/8
B.2/8, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4
C.2/8, 2/3, 1/2, 3/4
D.3/4, 2/3, 1/2, 2/8
Challenging
A large sandwich is cut into 12 equal pieces. Kyle eats 3 pieces. Jen eats 4 pieces. What fraction of the sandwich is left, and is it more or less than 1/2?
A.5/12 is left, which is less than 1/2.
B.7/12 is left, which is more than 1/2.
C.5/12 is left, which is more than 1/2.
D.7/12 is left, which is less than 1/2.
Challenging
A rectangle is divided into 8 equal parts. 3 parts are shaded red. Another identical rectangle is divided into 6 equal parts, and 3 parts are shaded blue. A third identical rectangle has 1/2 shaded green. Which color covers the least area?
A.Red
B.Blue
C.Green
D.Blue and Green are tied for least
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free