Mathematics
Grade 4
15 min
Compare fractions with like numerators or denominators using models
Compare fractions with like numerators or denominators using models
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Use area models (rectangles and circles) to compare two fractions with the same denominator.
Use area models to compare two fractions with the same numerator.
Use number lines to compare two fractions with like numerators or denominators.
Explain why, for fractions with like denominators, the fraction with the greater numerator is larger.
Explain why, for fractions with like numerators, the fraction with the smaller denominator is larger.
Correctly record the results of comparisons using the symbols >, <, and =.
Imagine two identical chocolate bars. Would you rather have 2/4 of a bar or 2/8 of a bar? 🍫 Let's use models to find out which piece is bigger!
In this lesson, we will learn how to use pictures and number lines to compare fractions. T...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
FractionA number that represents a part of a whole or a part of a group.1/2 represents 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 3/5, 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 3/5, the denominator is 5.
Like DenominatorsWhen two or more fractions have the same bottom number (denominator).2/8 and 5/8 have like denominators because they are both divided into 8 parts.
Like NumeratorsWhen two or more fractions have the same top number (numerator).3/4 and 3/6 have like numerators because they both represent 3 parts.
Area ModelA visual way to represent fractions using shapes like rectangle...
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Core Formulas
Comparing Fractions with Like Denominators
If two fractions have the same denominator, the fraction with the greater numerator is the greater fraction. If a > c, then a/d > c/d.
Use this rule when the bottom numbers are the same. Since the size of the pieces is identical (because the whole is cut into the same number of parts), you just need to see who has more pieces.
Comparing Fractions with Like Numerators
If two fractions have the same numerator, the fraction with the smaller denominator is the greater fraction. If d < b, then a/d > a/b.
Use this rule when the top numbers are the same. You have the same number of pieces, so the fraction with the bigger-sized pieces will be greater. A smaller denominator means the whole is cut into fewer, larger pieces.
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Challenging
Leo read 3/10 of his book. Maya read 3/8 of her book. Sam read 7/10 of his book. All the books are the same size. Who read more pages, Maya or Sam?
A.Maya read more.
B.They read the same amount.
C.It's impossible to compare Maya and Sam directly.
D.Sam read more.
Challenging
To compare 4/5 and 4/6, a student draws two number lines. The top number line from 0 to 1 is 5 inches long, and the bottom one is 6 inches long. They mark 4/5 and 4/6 and see that the point for 4/6 is farther to the right. They conclude 4/6 > 4/5. What is the critical error?
A.The student marked the points in the wrong place on the number lines.
B.The number lines must be the same length because they both represent one whole.
C.The student should have used area models instead of number lines.
D.The conclusion is correct, so there is no error.
Challenging
A large pizza is cut into 12 equal slices. Group A eats 5 slices. A second, identical pizza is given to Group C, but it is cut into 8 equal slices. Group C eats 5 slices. Which group ate more pizza?
A.Group A ate more pizza.
B.Both groups ate the same amount of pizza.
C.Group C ate more pizza.
D.There is not enough information to answer.
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