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Comparing Fractions

Aligned to 4.NF.A.2 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.

What this lesson teaches

To compare fractions with different denominators, give them the same denominator by finding a common one, then compare the numerators. You can also compare each fraction to a benchmark like 1/2.

Worked example

Compare 3/5 and 5/8. A common denominator is 40. 3/5 = 24/40 (times 8 top and bottom). 5/8 = 25/40 (times 5 top and bottom). Now compare numerators: 24 < 25, so 3/5 < 5/8.

Practice questions

  1. Compare 2/3 and 3/4 using a common denominator.
  2. Compare 4/10 and 1/2 using a benchmark.
  3. Put these in order from least to greatest: 1/2, 2/5, 3/4.

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En español

Comparar fracciones

Para comparar fracciones con denominadores diferentes, dales el mismo denominador buscando uno comun y luego compara los numeradores. Tambien puedes comparar cada fraccion con un punto de referencia como 1/2.

Ejemplo: Compara 3/5 y 5/8. Un denominador comun es 40. 3/5 = 24/40 (por 8 arriba y abajo). 5/8 = 25/40 (por 5 arriba y abajo). Ahora compara los numeradores: 24 < 25, entonces 3/5 < 5/8.

More Number & Operations—Fractions lessons

Equivalent Fractions4.NF.A.1Decimal Notation for Fractions4.NF.C.6Adding and Subtracting Like Fractions4.NF.B.3Multiplying a Fraction by a Whole Number4.NF.B.4Tenths and Hundredths Together4.NF.C.5Comparing Decimals4.NF.C.7

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