Tutorpip← About this lessonOpen the sheet →Download PDF
Grade 4 · Maths · Lessons
Which one is bigger?
🍕pizza⚖️compare½half🤷can't tell
Which is bigger?
The big ideaMatch the bottoms, or test against one half. Different wholes? Then you can't tell.

How it works

Match the bottoms, or test each fraction against one half.

2/8 is less than one half, and 4/5 is more than one half, so 2/8 is less than 4/5.

Different wholes? Then you can't tell.

2/8• less than 1/24/5• more than 1/2
Test against one half.

Example 1: Use one half

  1. Compare 2/8 and 4/5: greater, less or equal?
  2. 2/8 is less than 1/2 because 2 is less than 4.
  3. 4/5 is more than 1/2 because 4 is more than 2.5.
  4. So the answer is < Less than.

Example 2: Match the bottoms

  1. Compare 2/8 and 4/6: greater, less or equal?
  2. 2/8 is the same size as 1/4.
  3. 4/6 is the same size as 2/3, which is more than 1/2.
  4. So the answer is < Less than.

Example 3: Match the bottoms again

  1. Compare 10/12 and 4/6: greater, less or equal?
  2. 4/6 is the same size as 8/12.
  3. 10/12 is more than 8/12.
  4. So the answer is > Greater than.

Words to know

compare
To say which is more.
equivalent
Names the same size.

Watch out

Try it

  1. Compare 1/2 and 4/6: greater, less or equal?
  2. Compare 1/6 and 6/8: greater, less or equal?
  3. Compare 2/6 and 5/8: greater, less or equal?
Answers: 1. Can't tell · 2. < Less than · 3. < Less than
For grown-upsCompare two slices of the same cake and say which fraction is more.
Open these notes on screenScan the code, or go to tutorpip.com.