Grade 3 · Maths · Lessons
Which fraction is bigger
🍕pizza⚖️compare🤷can't tell➗fractions
Which is bigger?The big ideaCompare fractions of the same whole. Different wholes? Then you can't tell.
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.
Example 1: 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.
Example 2: 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.
Example 3: 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.
Words to know
- compare
- To say which is bigger or smaller.
- whole
- All of something.
Watch out
- Check that the wholes are the same size.
- More parts doesn't mean bigger: each part is smaller.
- Draw it if you're unsure.
Try it
- Which is bigger, 6/8 or 7/8?
- Which is bigger, 1/4 or 3/4?
- Which is bigger, 3/6 or 5/6?
Answers: 1. Can't tell · 2. The bottom fraction · 3. Can't tell
For grown-upsCompare slices of two pizzas of different sizes.