Lesson 6: Using Models to Compare Fractions

Describe an example in your life to help explain why 3/8 is smaller than 5/8.

Answer explanation

Think about pizza! Since both fractions have a denominator of 8, we can think about cutting a pizza into 8 slices. Now we can compare the numerator (or number of slices we get to eat). Eating 5 slices is eating more than 3 slices.

Is 3/5 or 3/4 bigger? Draw a picture to support your answer.

Answer explanation

3/4 is bigger! The numerators are the same so each person would get 3 pieces. But the denominators are different. If we cut one whole into 4 parts and another into 5 parts, the pieces are bigger if there are only 4. So 3 out of 4 pieces is MORE than 3 out of 5 pieces because the pieces are smaller.

• <
• >
• =

Answer explanation

A pizza cut into 10 slices versus 5 slices has smaller pieces. If you eat 6 smaller slices you have less than eating 6 bigger slices.

• <
• =
• >

Answer explanation

If we cut a pizza into 10 slices, eating 6 slices is more than eating 4 slices.

• <
• =
• >

Answer explanation

5/6 is closer to a whole than 3/4

• Add or subtract the same number to the numerator and denominator.

• Multiply or divide the same number to the numerator and denominator.

Answer explanation

Which 3 fractions are equivalent to each other?

After this lesson, you should be able to compare two fractions using models. Rate your level of understanding of this learning target from 1-4 based on this scale:

1 - I do not understand this at all

2 - I understand this a little but I need some help

3 - I understand this. I could can do it by myself

4 - I understand this and could teach it to someone else

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4