Comparing fractions

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number). For example, in $$\frac{1}{2}$$ , 1 is the part and 2 is the whole.

Comparing fractions involves determining which fraction is larger, smaller, or if they are equal. This can be done by finding a common denominator or converting them to decimals.

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the fractions you want to compare.

The least common multiple is the smallest number that is a multiple of two or more numbers. For example, the LCM of 4 and 6 is 12.

Fractions can be visualized using models such as pie charts, number lines, or bar models to show how parts relate to a whole.

$$\frac{1}{4} = \frac{2}{8}$$ , so they are equal.

$$\frac{1}{3}$$ is greater than $$\frac{1}{6}$$ .

$$\frac{4}{8} < \frac{3}{5}$$ .

A proper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is less than the denominator, such as $$\frac{2}{5}$$ .

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator, such as $$\frac{5}{4}$$ .