Lesson: Comparing Fractions (Grade 3)

The bottom number tells how many pieces. The top number tells how many you take.

Same bottom number: 3/8 or 5/8?

Both bars are cut into 8 equal pieces. So the pieces are the same size.

5 pieces is more than 3 pieces. So 5/8 is bigger than 3/8.

Rule: same bottom number? The bigger top number wins.

Same top number: 1/3 or 1/4?

Now look at two pizzas. You get 1 slice of each. Which slice is bigger?

The pizza cut into 3 has bigger slices. So 1/3 is bigger than 1/4.

This surprises lots of kids, because 4 is bigger than 3. But when you share a pizza with more people, everyone gets a smaller slice!

Rule: same top number? The smaller bottom number wins.

Not sure? Draw it!

Draw two bars the same length. Cut them into pieces and color them in. The picture always shows the right answer.

Practice

Try Comparing Fractions with the Same Denominator and with the Same Numerator.

Denominator is the bottom number. Numerator is the top number.