Primary 2 maths · Fractions · About 8 minutes
Compare like fractions with denominators up to 12
Check the wholes first. Then compare chosen amounts or rename the parts to the same size.
Start the interactive lesson →Open practice activity
What you will learn
- Compare like fractions with denominators up to 12
Models used: number sentences, stories, fraction strips.
Before you start
Same-sized pieces are easy to compare
Both equal-sized strips are cut into fifths.
Each strip is one whole of the same size. Count all the equal parts, then count the shaded parts.
Both equal-sized strips are cut into fifths.
A fraction describes a share of its whole. Equal-sized wholes make the lengths or areas comparable.
Each strip is one whole of the same size. Count all the equal parts, then count the shaded parts.
Shade three pieces on the first and two on the second.
The size of a fraction depends on both numbers: how many equal parts make the whole, and how many of those parts we take.
Each strip is one whole of the same size. Count all the equal parts, then count the shaded parts.
Every piece is the same size. Three pieces cover more than two.
3/5 > 2/5
The size of a fraction depends on both numbers: how many equal parts make the whole, and how many of those parts we take.
What did the picture help us see?
Every piece is the same size. Three pieces cover more than two.
Worked example: A new example, together
Compare 2/4 □ 2/4.
Each strip is one whole of the same size. Count all the equal parts, then count the shaded parts.
Check the wholes first. Then compare chosen amounts or rename the parts to the same size.
Equal-sized wholes let us compare fractions by renaming them into equal-sized parts.
Each strip is one whole of the same size. Count all the equal parts, then count the shaded parts.
Use two wholes of the same size.
The size of a fraction depends on both numbers: how many equal parts make the whole, and how many of those parts we take.
Compare 2/4 □ 2/4.
=
Each strip is one whole of the same size. Count all the equal parts, then count the shaded parts.
Use two wholes of the same size.
The size of a fraction depends on both numbers: how many equal parts make the whole, and how many of those parts we take.
Each strip is one whole of the same size. Count all the equal parts, then count the shaded parts.
The parts have the same size. Compare the shaded counts 2 and 2.
The size of a fraction depends on both numbers: how many equal parts make the whole, and how many of those parts we take.
Each strip is one whole of the same size. Count all the equal parts, then count the shaded parts.
2/4 = 2/4.
The size of a fraction depends on both numbers: how many equal parts make the whole, and how many of those parts we take.
Each strip is one whole of the same size. Count all the equal parts, then count the shaded parts.
Check the result against the question we started with.
Compare the shaded lengths on equal-sized wholes.
We found =. Equal-sized wholes let us compare fractions by renaming them into equal-sized parts.
Common mistakes to discuss
- Comparing the denominators. With the same whole, compare the numbers of equal parts. 3/5 is greater than 2/5; for unlike fractions, rename them to the same denominator first.
Check your understanding
- Compare like fractions with denominators up to 12
- justify a fraction comparison using a common whole
- check the answer against the original quantities and units
Explain your reasoning to an adult, then try a fresh question in the interactive lesson. A result from one attempt is not proof of lasting mastery.
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