Comparing the Size of Different Fractions

There are a few strategies you can use to compare the size of different fractions:

1. Decide whether each fraction is more than, less than or equivalent (equal) to 1/2:


e.g. Which fraction is bigger 3/6 or 4/10.


Is 3/6 more than, less than or equivalent to 1/2?


Well, I know 3/6 is the same as 1/2 because half of 6 is 3!


What about 4/10? What's half of 10? So, is 4/10 more than, less than or equal to 1/2?
It's less, because it's only 4/10 not 5/10.


So, what's bigger 3/6 or 4/10? Definitely 3/6 because it's 1/2 and 4/10 is less than 1/2.




If both fractions are more than 1/2, or both are less, then you might need to draw them:
2. Draw the fractions using circles:

3. If they're SO close you can't even tell then, if you can you should convert both fractions so that they have the same denominator.
Comparing fractions with different denominators: Comparing fractions? Try simplifying them first then finding a common denominator. The result are two fractions you can really compare.






4. You can also use short division to convert each fraction into a decimal, the larger decimal will be the winning fraction.