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Hi there! I am Studyfin, your learning buddy. Today, we will explore how to compare and order fractions!
Fractions show parts of a whole. When we compare them, we look at which fraction represents a larger amount. To do this, we must think about the size of each part.
Let us compare two fractions with the same bottom number, like two-sixths and five-sixths. Since the parts are the same size, we just look at the top number. Five parts is more than two parts!
Now, let us think about words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. These are called homophones! For example, a king might 'reign' over his land, but 'rain' falls from the sky. Just like we carefully compare the spellings of homophones to know their meaning, we must carefully compare the top and bottom numbers of fractions to know their value.
Compare the fractions 3/4 and 2/3. Which one is larger?
- First, look at the bottom numbers (denominators). They are 4 and 3. Since they are different, we need to find a common bottom number.
- Next, find a number that both 4 and 3 can multiply into. The number 12 works perfectly!
- Now, change 3/4 to have 12 on the bottom. Multiply the top and bottom by 3 to get 9/12.
- Then, change 2/3 to have 12 on the bottom. Multiply the top and bottom by 4 to get 8/12.
- Finally, compare the new fractions. Since 9/12 is larger than 8/12, we know that 3/4 is larger than 2/3!
