Same denominator
3/4 is greater than 2/4 because the denominators match.
When denominators match, compare the numerators.
Year 6
Compare and order fractions, including fractions greater than 1
Compare fractions by using equivalent fractions and whole-number benchmarks.
Lesson overview
Number - fractions, decimals and percentages
Fractions can be compared by rewriting them with the same denominator or by thinking about where they sit compared with 0, 1 and more than 1.
Fractions greater than 1
5/4 is greater than 1 because 4/4 is 1 whole.
Some fractions sit beyond one whole.
Worked example
Which is greater: 2/3 or 3/5?
| Fraction | In fifteenths |
|---|---|
| 2/3 | 10/15 |
| 3/5 | 9/15 |
- Find a common denominator of 15.
- 2/3 is 10/15.
- 3/5 is 9/15.
- 10/15 is greater, so 2/3 is greater.
Try it
Make the denominators match if the comparison is not obvious.
Question 1
Which is greater?
Question 2
Which is greater?
| 2/3 | 3/5 |
|---|---|
| 10/15 | 9/15 |
Question 3
Which fraction is greater than 1?
Question 4
Which list is in order from smallest to greatest?
Question 5
Which is the same as 6/4?
Common mistakes
Watch for these when working through the lesson.
- Comparing denominators without making equivalent fractions.
- Forgetting that 5/4 is greater than 1.
- Ordering fractions by numerator alone when denominators differ.
Related topics
These ideas fit closely with this lesson.
- Use common factors to simplify fractions.
- Add and subtract fractions with different denominators.