Topics
5. Fractions
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United States of AmericaTennessee
Grade 4

5.02 Compare fractions

Lesson
Practice
Lesson

Are you ready?

Being able to identify how many equal parts are in a fraction model will help us compare fractions in this lesson. Let's try this problem to review. 

Here is a shape divided into parts, use it to answer the following questions.

  1. This shape has $\editable{}$ equal parts.

  2. Each part is $\frac{\editable{}}{\editable{}}$​ of the whole.

Learn

This video looks at comparing fractions using area models up to tenths.

Apply

question 1

Which fraction is larger?

  		1.
    $\frac{5}{10}$510​
    A
    $\frac{7}{10}$710​
    B

Learn

This video shows how to use number lines to compare fractions.  

Apply

question 2

Think about the fractions $\frac{2}{3}$23​ and $\frac{3}{4}$34​.

  1. Plot the number $\frac{2}{3}$23​ on the number line.

    01

  2. Plot the number $\frac{3}{4}$34​ on the number line.

    01

  3. The two numbers can be shown on the same number line like this:

    Which number is bigger?

    $\frac{2}{3}$23​

    A

    $\frac{3}{4}$34​

    B

 

Remember!
  • When comparing fractions, if the denominators are the same, then we can compare the numerators.
  • The denominator also tells us how many parts make up one whole.
  • The denominator tells us how many equal parts to split the number line into.
  • The numerator tells us how many of those equal parts to select. 

 

Outcomes

4.NF.A.2

Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators by creating common denominators or common numerators or by comparing to a benchmark such as 0 or 1/2 or 1. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Use the symbols >, =, or < to show the relationship and justify the conclusions.

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