Comparing fractions

What they’re learning

Your child is comparing fractions by reasoning about size, using benchmarks such as one half, common numerators or denominators, and visual models.

Explain it to my child

Fractions are easiest to compare when you ask what kind of pieces they use and how many. Three fourths is more than two fourths because the pieces are the same size and there are more of them.

Try it together

Cut equal paper strips. Fold some into halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, or eighths. Label selected fractions and place strips on top of one another to compare lengths.

Practice

1. Which is greater: 3/4 or 2/4?
2. Which is greater: 1/3 or 1/2?
3. Order 1/4, 3/4, 2/4 from least to greatest.
4. Is 4/8 less than, equal to, or greater than 1/2?
5. Which is closer to 1 whole: 7/8 or 5/8?

Check understanding

• Can your child justify a comparison with a model or benchmark?
• Do they remember that a larger denominator means smaller pieces when the whole is the same?