Comparing fractions (age 7+)
Solve problems involving counting in tenths, fractions of quantities, equivalence, fraction addition/subtraction, and fraction comparison
What a learner can do afterwards
- Solve a word problem requiring finding a fraction of a quantity
- Solve a problem that requires comparing or ordering fractions
- Choose and apply appropriate fraction knowledge to a multi-step problem
The lesson
You already know how to find a fraction of a number, add fractions, and tell which fraction is bigger. Real problems often mix these skills together, so you need to pick the right tool for each step.
Priya ate 3/10 of a cake. Tom ate 2/5 of the same size cake. To compare, change 2/5 into tenths: 2/5 is the same as 4/10. Since 4/10 is more than 3/10, Tom ate more cake.
When two fractions have different bottom numbers, change them so the bottom numbers match. Then it is easy to compare or add them.
Break a fraction problem into steps: work out the fraction of the amount first, match up the bottom numbers if you need to, then compare or combine.
Watch it
Where it sits
This opens up
Nothing builds on it yet.
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.