Grade 3 Fractions: Comparing Fractions (Different Denominators)

Worked examples

Real problems from the practice worksheets, solved one step at a time.

1. Example 1

   2/8 ___ 2/2

   1. Both fractions have 2 pieces, but the pieces are different sizes.
   2. More equal parts means smaller pieces: 1/8 is smaller than 1/2, so 2/8 is less than 2/2.
   3. So 2/8 < 2/2.

   Answer: <

2. Example 2

   2/2 ___ 3/3

   1. 2/2 is all 2 of its 2 equal parts, so it is one whole.
   2. 3/3 is all 3 of its 3 equal parts, so it is one whole too. Both are one whole, so they are equal.
   3. So 2/2 = 3/3.

   Answer: =

3. Example 3

   1/4 ___ 3/3

   1. 3/3 is all 3 of its 3 equal parts, so it is one whole.
   2. 1/4 has 1 part, fewer than the 4 parts that make a whole, so it is less than one whole.
   3. So 1/4 < 3/3.

   Answer: <