Let’s Learn!
How do you compare fractions?
Goal:
Goal:
Think About It!
Goal: Compare fractions based on their numerators and denominators.
Madelyn ran \(\Large\frac{2}{3}\) of a mile on Monday and \(\Large\frac{2}{4}\) of a mile on Tuesday. Which day did she run farther? Let's compare the fractions!
\(\Large\frac{2}{3}\) looks like this:
Madelyn ran 2 out of 3 parts of a mile on Monday.
\(\Large\frac{2}{4}\) looks like this:
Madelyn ran 3 out of 4 parts of a mile on Tuesday.
Did Madelyn run farther on Monday or Tuesday? Which circle has more orange? Click the circles below to find out!
Great job! Madelyn ran farther on Monday.
It's helpful to compare fractions with pictures like these circles. Let's try comparing the fractions without pictures now!
Super Rule:
When the numerators are the same, compare the denominators. The smaller the denominator, the bigger the fraction.
If the numerators are the same, the Super Rule is a great reminder that the smaller the denominator means bigger pieces.
Let's look at fractions with the same denominators now! Madelyn ran \(\Large\frac{3}{6}\) of a mile on Wednesday and \(\Large\frac{5}{6}\) of a mile on Thursday. Which day did she run farther?
When two fractions have the same denominator, the fraction with the larger numerator is larger. Which fraction is larger? Click the fractions below to find out!
That’s right! \(\Large\frac{5}{6}\) is the larger fraction because it has the larger numerator.
Question
What does the Super Rule say?
When the numerators are the same, compare the denominators. The smaller denominator is the bigger fraction.