Comparing Fractions: Recognizing Valid Comparisons

This lesson teaches how to recognize valid comparisons by considering the size of objects. It explains that numbers representing the same amount are equal and demonstrates using symbols for less than and greater than. The lesson highlights common mistakes in comparing fractions of different sizes and provides examples with shapes and real-world objects like pizzas and licorice sticks. It emphasizes that for comparisons to be valid, the objects must be the same size.

Which symbol is used to show that one number is smaller than another?

• Not equal to

• Less than

• Equal to

• Greater than

Why can't we compare two fractions directly if the objects are different sizes?

• Because fractions are always equal

• Because the size of the objects affects the amount they represent

• Because different sizes make fractions irrelevant

• Because fractions are only used for circles

What is the equivalent fraction of 1/3 when using a rectangle divided into 9 parts?

• 4/9

• 1/9

• 3/9

• 2/9

When comparing fractions using rectangles, what must be true for them to be equivalent?

• The rectangles must be different sizes

• The rectangles must be circles

• The rectangles must have different numerators

• The rectangles must be the same size

What is the key factor in determining if two fractions represent the same amount?

• The color of the objects

• The size of the objects

• The number of objects

• The shape of the objects

If Jim ate 1/4 of a medium pizza and Sarah ate 1/4 of a large pizza, did they eat the same amount?

• No, because 1/4 is not a valid fraction

• No, because the pizzas are different sizes

• Yes, because 1/4 is always the same

• Yes, because they both ate pizza

Why are two licorice sticks marked with the same fraction not necessarily the same length?

• Because the sticks might be different colors

• Because fractions are only for numbers

• Because the sticks might be different sizes

• Because fractions don't apply to licorice