How it works
Compare fractions of the same whole. The same bottom number: the bigger top is bigger.
The same top number: fewer parts means bigger parts.
Different wholes? Then you can't tell.
Worked examples
Same bottom number
- Which is bigger, 3/4 or 1/4?
- Both fractions are fourths.
- 3 fourths is more than 1 fourth.
- So the answer is The top fraction.
Different wholes
- Which is bigger, 3/8 or 3/4?
- The two fractions are of different-size wholes.
- You can't say which is bigger.
- So the answer is Can't tell.
The same fraction
- Which is bigger, 4/8 or 4/8?
- Both are 4/8, but they are of different wholes.
- You can't tell.
- So the answer is Can't tell.
A taste of the worksheet
These are the first problems of set A. The printable sheet has many more, with an answer key.
- Which is bigger, 2/4 or 1/4__
- Which is bigger, 1/3 or 1/2__
- Which is bigger, 2/3 or 2/4__
- Which is bigger, 1/3 or 2/3__
- Which is bigger, 2/3 or 1/3__