Understanding Fraction Comparison
Fractions and mixed numbers are everywhere!
Whether you're sharing pizza slices or measuring ingredients, knowing how to compare them is super useful. Let's learn some clever ways to tell which fraction or mixed number is larger!
How to Compare Fractions and Mixed Numbers
1️⃣ Same denominators? Just compare numerators!
2️⃣ Different denominators? Find equivalent fractions with common denominators
3️⃣ Mixed numbers? Compare whole numbers first, then fractions if needed
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Comparing Fractions with Visuals
Which is larger: 2/5 or 3/8?
2/5
3/8
2/5 is larger than 3/8! When we convert them to have the same denominator (40):
2/5 = 16/40 and 3/8 = 15/40
16/40 > 15/40, so 2/5 > 3/8
Example 2: Comparing Mixed Numbers
Put these in order from smallest to largest: 2 3/4, 2 1/2, 2 2/3
The correct order is: 2 1/2, 2 2/3, 2 3/4
All have the same whole number (2), so we compare the fractions:
1/2 = 6/12, 2/3 = 8/12, 3/4 = 9/12
6/12 < 8/12 < 9/12
Parent Tips 🌟
- Kitchen Math: When cooking, ask your child to compare ingredient amounts (e.g., "Is 3/4 cup more or less than 2/3 cup?")
- Fraction War: Play a card game where you each draw a fraction card and compare to see whose is larger
- Real-world Examples: Point out fractions in daily life like gas prices ("$3.49 is 3 and 49/100 - is that more than $3 1/2?")