View largerComparing fractions chart
Two ways to compare: the same denominator and the same numerator, and why the wholes must match
1 page34 KB
Comparing Fractions Worksheets
Compare fractions with the same denominator or the same numerator, on a number line, in order and in word problems, using >, < and =. With answer keys.
Download the comparing fractions worksheets
Compare with the same denominator or the same numerator
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View all 2 pagesCompare: same Denominator, sheet A
Comparing fractions with the same denominator using bar models and >, < or =
Answer key on page 2
2 pages46 KB
View all 2 pagesCompare: same Denominator, sheet B
Comparing fractions with the same denominator by reasoning about the number of parts
Answer key on page 2
2 pages37 KB
View all 2 pagesCompare: same Numerator, sheet A
Comparing fractions with the same numerator using bar models: more parts means smaller parts
Answer key on page 2
2 pages46 KB
View all 2 pagesCompare: same Numerator, sheet B
Comparing fractions with the same numerator by reasoning about the size of the parts
Answer key on page 2
2 pages37 KB
Compare on a number line, order and solve
View all 2 pagesCompare on a number line
Marking two fractions on a number line and comparing them: the one farther right is greater
Answer key on page 2
2 pages48 KB
View all 2 pagesComparing fractions practice
Deciding whether two fractions share a numerator or a denominator, then comparing with >, < or =
Answer key on page 2
2 pages37 KB
View all 2 pagesOrder fractions
Ordering three fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator from least to greatest
Answer key on page 2
2 pages40 KB
View all 2 pagesComparing fractions word problems
Comparing fractions in word problems and seeing that the wholes must be the same size
Answer key on page 2
2 pages42 KB
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About these comparing fractions worksheets
Third graders compare two fractions when they have the same denominator or the same numerator. With the same denominator the parts are the same size, so more parts means a bigger fraction: 5/8 > 3/8. With the same numerator there are the same number of parts, so the bigger parts win: 1/3 > 1/6.
These worksheets teach both ideas with a chart and bar models, then take the models away. Children also compare on a number line, put three fractions in order, and solve word problems, including one about why half of a small pizza is not the same as half of a big one.
Sheets with bar models draw both fractions on bars of exactly the same length, so the comparison is fair. Every practice page has an answer key on page 2.
Standards
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3.DCompare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.
How to use them
- Teach from the Comparing Fractions Chart: one rule for the same denominator, one for the same numerator.
- Use Sheet A of each comparing page with its bar models, then Sheet B without pictures.
- Mixed practice asks children to decide first: same top or same bottom?
- Compare on a Number Line: the fraction farther to the right is greater.
- Finish with Order Fractions and the word problems.
Teaching tips
- The same-numerator rule surprises children: 1/8 is smaller than 1/4 even though 8 is bigger than 4. Fraction strips settle it fast.
- Make sure the wholes are the same size before comparing.
- Read the signs as words: greater than, less than, equal to.
- Ask children to say why, not just which: 'Sixths are smaller parts than thirds.'
Questions teachers and parents ask
How do you compare fractions with the same denominator?
The parts are the same size, so compare the numerators. The fraction with more parts is greater: 5/6 > 2/6.
How do you compare fractions with the same numerator?
There are the same number of parts, so compare the size of the parts. The smaller denominator means bigger parts, so 2/3 > 2/8.
Why must the wholes be the same?
Half of a small pizza is less pizza than half of a big pizza. Comparing fractions only works when both fractions are parts of the same size whole.