Comparing fractions

Comparing fractions Miss joubert

Three ways to compare • If numerators are the same and denominators are different • EASY • If denominators are different Benchmarks (above or below half way) Use equivalent fractions

Numerators same • What do you notice:

Numerators same – denominators different • Hopefully you noticed: • The more parts you divide the whole into • the smaller each part gets • So if numerators are the same (You comparing the same amount) • Then the bigger the denominator – the smaller the fraction!

EXAmples • Which fraction is bigger? • or or • or or

If denominators are different • OPTION 1 – Check for benchmarks • Work out if you fraction is bigger or smaller than half • If one is less than half and other is bigger than half then you have your answer! • E.g. Is or bigger?

If denominators are different • OPTION 2 – Make the denominators the same • If benchmarks don’t work (both smaller or bigger than half way) • Use equivalent fractions to compare more easily • E.g. Is or bigger? • Change : x 2 = So therefore is bigger

Now it is your turn • Use benchmarks or equivalent fractions to work our which fractions are bigger

Comparing fractions