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 $$\frac{3}{4}$$ , 3 is the part and 4 is the whole.

Comparing fractions means determining which fraction is larger, smaller, or if they are equal.

When fractions have the same denominator, compare the numerators. The fraction with the larger numerator is greater.

To compare fractions with different denominators, convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator or use a number line.

Equivalent fractions are different fractions that represent the same value. For example, $$\frac{1}{2}$$ is equivalent to $$\frac{2}{4}$$ .

$$\frac{3}{4} > \frac{1}{2}$$ .

$$\frac{5}{5} = \frac{6}{6}$$ .

$$\frac{4}{4} = \frac{2}{2}$$ .

$$\frac{1}{5} < \frac{4}{6}$$ .

A number line is a straight line with numbers placed at equal intervals. It helps in comparing fractions visually.