Compare fractions with like numerators or denominators

Learning Objectives Compare two fractions with the same denominator using the symbols >, <, and =. Compare two fractions with the same numerator using the symbols >, <, and =. Explain why, when denominators are the same, the fraction with the larger numerator is greater. Explain why, when numerators are the same, the fraction with the smaller denominator is greater. Model fraction comparisons using visual aids like fraction bars or number lines. Solve word problems that involve comparing fractions with like numerators or denominators. If you and a friend both eat 2 slices of pizza, but your pizza was cut into 6 slices and theirs was cut into 8, who ate more? 🍕 In this lesson, you'll become a fraction expert! We'll learn two simple rules for comparing...

TermDefinitionExample FractionA number that represents a part of a whole. The whole must be divided into equal parts.1/2 means one part out of two equal parts. NumeratorThe top number in a fraction. It tells you how many equal 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 same bottom number. This means the size of the pieces is the same.2/5 and 4/5 have like denominators. Like NumeratorsWhen two or more fractions have the same top number. This means you have the same number of pieces.3/8 and 3/10 have like numerators. Comparison SymbolsThe symbols used to show if a number is greater...

Rule for Like Denominators If $\frac{a}{c}$ and $\frac{b}{c}$ are two fractions, and $a > b$, then $\frac{a}{c} > \frac{b}{c}$. When the denominators (bottom numbers) are the same, the fraction with the larger numerator (top number) is the greater fraction. You have more pieces of the same size. Rule for Like Numerators If $\frac{a}{b}$ and $\frac{a}{c}$ are two fractions, and $b < c$, then $\frac{a}{b} > \frac{a}{c}$. When the numerators (top numbers) are the same, the fraction with the smaller denominator (bottom number) is the greater fraction. This is because the whole is cut into fewer, bigger pieces.