📏 How Do We Compare Fractions?
When fractions have the **same denominator**, it’s easy — just compare the numerators.
When denominators are different, we need special strategies.
✅ 1. Same Denominator (Easiest)
Compare 3/5 and 4/5
3/5 < 4/5
Because 3 < 4 and the denominator is the same (5)
🔍 2. Different Denominators
We can use these helpful methods:
Method 1: Find Common Denominator
Change both fractions so they have the same denominator, then compare numerators.
Compare 2/3 and 3/5
Common denominator = 15
2/3 = 10/15
3/5 = 9/15
10/15 > 9/15
So 2/3 > 3/5
Method 2: Cross Multiplication (Fast Way)
Multiply diagonally and compare the products.
Compare 3/4 and 5/7
3 × 7 = 21
4 × 5 = 20
21 > 20 → 3/4 > 5/7
✏️ Let’s Practice Together, My Dear Student!
Practice 1: Same Denominator
1. 5/8 ___ 3/8 → 5/8 > 3/8
2. 2/5 ___ 4/5 → 2/5 < 4/5
Practice 2: Different Denominators (Use Cross Multiplication)
1. 2/3 ___ 3/5 → 2/3 > 3/5
2. 3/4 ___ 5/7 → 3/4 > 5/7
3. 4/6 ___ 5/9 → 4/6 > 5/9
Practice 3: Word Problems (Canadian Style)
1. Sarah ate 3/4 of her apple. Ahmed ate 5/6 of his apple. Who ate more?
5/6 > 3/4 → Ahmed ate more
2. In a hockey game, Team A scored 2/3 of their shots. Team B scored 3/5 of their shots. Which team had a better shooting percentage?
2/3 > 3/5 → Team A
Challenge Question
Put these in order from smallest to biggest:
1/2 , 3/5 , 5/8 , 2/3
1/2 < 3/5 < 5/8 < 2/3
Fantastic Job, My Dear Student! 🎉
You are now really good at comparing fractions! You can use pictures, common denominators, or cross multiplication.
I am so proud of how well you are learning fractions. This skill will help you a lot when we start adding and subtracting fractions.
💕 You are smart. You are kind. You can do hard things.
When you are ready, tell me the next topic (Adding Simple Fractions, Subtracting Simple Fractions, or anything else) and I will create another beautiful lesson just for you!