Compare sums and differences of fractions

Learning Objectives Solve addition problems involving fractions with unlike denominators. Solve subtraction problems involving fractions with unlike denominators. Find a common denominator for two or more fractions. Convert fractions into equivalent fractions with a common denominator. Use comparison symbols (<, >, =) to accurately compare the results of fraction sums and differences. Who ran farther? 🏃‍♀️ You ran 1/2 a mile then 1/4 a mile. Your friend ran 7/8 of a mile then rested, walking back 1/8 of a mile. Let's figure it out! In this lesson, you will learn how to solve two separate fraction problems and then compare their answers. This skill is like being a detective, using math to find out which amount is bigger, smaller, or if they are the same. It helps u...

TermDefinitionExample SumThe answer you get when you add two or more numbers together.The sum of 1/8 and 3/8 is 4/8. DifferenceThe answer you get when you subtract one number from another.The difference between 5/6 and 1/6 is 4/6. Common DenominatorA number that is a common multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions. It's the number on the bottom that we make the same before we can add or subtract.For 1/3 and 1/4, a common denominator is 12 because both 3 and 4 can multiply to get 12. Equivalent FractionsFractions that look different but have the exact same value.1/2 is equivalent to 2/4, 3/6, and 50/100. Comparison SymbolsSymbols used to show the relationship between two numbers or values.> (greater than), < (less than), = (equal to). For example, 3/4 > 1/4.

Creating Equivalent Fractions \frac{a}{b} = \frac{a \times c}{b \times c} To create an equivalent fraction, you must multiply both the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number) by the same non-zero number. This is the key to finding a common denominator. Comparing Fractions with Common Denominators If \frac{a}{d} and \frac{b}{d}, then compare a and b. Once two fractions have the same denominator, you only need to compare their numerators. The fraction with the larger numerator is the greater fraction.