Comparing Fractions

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

The numerator represents the number of parts we have.

The denominator represents the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.

To compare fractions with different denominators, convert them to have a common denominator or convert them to decimal form.

A common denominator is a shared multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions.

The fraction with the larger value in the same-sized parts (after finding a common denominator or converting to decimals) is the larger fraction.

Equivalent fractions are different fractions that represent the same value or part of a whole.

You can find equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number.

The simplest form of a fraction is when the numerator and denominator are as small as possible and have no common factors other than 1.

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).