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Lesson overview

Number - fractions

For unit fractions, the larger the denominator, the smaller the fraction part. For fractions with the same denominator, the larger numerator shows more of the same-sized parts.

Compare unit fractions

$\frac{1}{3}$ is greater than $\frac{1}{4}$ because thirds are larger parts than quarters.

Fewer equal parts means each part is bigger.

Compare same denominators

$\frac{5}{8}$ is greater than $\frac{3}{8}$ because both fractions are eighths and 5 parts are more than 3 parts.

When the denominator matches, compare the numerators.

Order fractions

$\frac{1}{5}$ , $\frac{2}{5}$ and $\frac{4}{5}$ can be ordered from smallest to largest.

The order depends on the numerator when the denominator is the same.

Worked example

Which is greater: $\frac{1}{6}$ or $\frac{1}{3}$ ?

Both fractions are unit fractions.
Sixths split the whole into more parts than thirds.
More parts means smaller pieces.
So $\frac{1}{3}$ is greater than $\frac{1}{6}$ .

Try it

Decide whether you are comparing unit fractions or fractions with the same denominator first.

Question 1

Which is greater?

Question 2

Which is greater?

Question 3

Which order is from smallest to largest?

Question 4

Which numerator makes a larger fraction in __/8 compared with $\frac{3}{8}$ ?

Question 5

Which statement is true?

Common mistakes

Watch for these when working through the lesson.

Thinking a larger denominator means a larger unit fraction.
Comparing denominators when the denominators are already the same.
Ordering fractions by the numerator only in every situation.

Compare and order unit fractions, and fractions with the same denominators

Lesson overview

Worked example

Try it

Common mistakes

Related topics

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