Benchmark Fractions

A benchmark fraction is a simple fraction that is used as a reference point to compare other fractions. Common benchmark fractions include 0, $$\frac{1}{2}$$ , and 1.

$$\frac{3}{4}$$ is larger than $$\frac{1}{2}$$ .

The benchmark fraction closest to $$\frac{4}{20}$$ is 0.

$$\frac{5}{8}$$ is greater than $$\frac{1}{2}$$ .

The benchmark fraction closest to $$\frac{10}{48}$$ is 0.

$$\frac{2}{5}$$ is larger than $$\frac{3}{8}$$ .

The benchmark fraction closest to $$\frac{3}{8}$$ is $$\frac{1}{2}$$ .

To determine if a fraction is greater than $$\frac{1}{2}$$ , compare its numerator and denominator. If the numerator is greater than half of the denominator, the fraction is greater than $$\frac{1}{2}$$ .

$$\frac{5}{12}$$ is less than $$\frac{1}{2}$$ .

A simple way to compare fractions is to find a common denominator or convert them to decimal form.