Compare two fractions that have like numerators
Objectives
Student will be able to:
compare fractions with like numerators using models.
compare fractions with like numerators using a number line.
Introduction
Ron and Melanie each had a small pizza for lunch. Ron ate
of his pizza and Melanie ate
of her pizza. Who ate more pizza?
Which is greater
or
?
One way to compare fractions with like numerators is to draw a model for each fraction. Divide each model into equal pieces using the denominator and then shade the number of pieces in the numerator.
Notice the blue shading of
is less than the purple shading of
.
Therefore,
. So, Melanie ate the most pizza.
Fractions with like numerators can also be compared using a number line.
Compare
and
.
Draw a number line for each fraction. Divide one number line into units of one-half. Divide the other number line into units of one-fourth.
Because
is to the right of
on the number line we can write:
Examples
1.
Draw a model and compare the fractions
and
.
The yellow shading is greater than the pink shading.
Therefore,
or
.
2.
Use number lines to compare
and
.
The number lines show
to the left of
.
Therefore,
or
.
3.
Choose the correct symbol to compare the fractions. Use a model or number line to help.
___
a.
>
b.
<
c.
=
a. >
The model shows the blue shading of
is greater than the orange shading of
. Therefore,
is greater than
.
Try Together
Complete the exercises. Use models or number lines to help.
1.
Is the statement shown below true or false?
a.
true
b.
false
a. true
2.
Fill in the blank with >, <, =.
_____
<
3.
Draw a model and compare the fractions
and
.
or
Check student's model. The models should show 2 of 3 parts shaded on one and 2 of 5 parts shaded on the other.
Please evaluate the student's answers:
Excellent
Good
Okay