You already know how to compare unit fractions.
In this lesson you’ll learn how to compare
fractions that have the same denominator,
like these: one-third, five thirds, and seven-thirds.
To compare these fractions let’s start by
looking at some number lines.
When we have two fractions with the same denominator,
it’s easy to compare them, since each part
is the same size, as shown here.
Each line is divided into fourths.
Three fourths is bigger than one fourth because
more parts are counted.
Six fourths is bigger than three fourths because
more parts are counted.
Ten fourths is bigger than six fourths because
more parts are counted.
The larger fraction is always the one in which
more parts are counted.
Now let’s compare two fractions with the
same denominator, two-fifths and three-fifths.
We know that when the denominator is the same,
the number with the larger numerator is the
larger number.
So two-fifths is less than three fifths because
fewer parts are counted.
Here’s another example.
Six-sevenths is greater than three-sevenths,
because more parts are counted.
In the remainder of this lesson you’ll get
practice comparing fractions with the same
denominator.
