A short lesson on comparing fractions in three sheets. The first shows four ways to tell which fraction is bigger, with bar models and a number line. The second is guided practice that takes the four ways one at a time. The third mixes them, with the reason for each answer in the key.
Same bottom, same top, compare to one half, and make the bottoms match. Plus the mistake to watch for.
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Twenty problems that take the four ways one at a time, starting with bars. Includes answer key.
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Mixed comparisons, putting fractions in order, a word problem, and one question to explain. Includes answer key.
Download PDFComparing fractions means deciding which of two fractions is the larger amount. It trips students up because the whole-number habit points the wrong way: 8 is more than 4, but one eighth is less than one fourth.
The How It Works sheet gives four ways to compare, from quickest to slowest. When the bottom numbers match, compare the tops. When the top numbers match, the fraction with the smaller bottom number is bigger, because its pieces are bigger. When one fraction is under one half and the other is over, no more work is needed. When none of those apply, rename the fractions so the bottoms match.
The guided practice sheet takes those four ways one at a time, starting with shaded bars. The independent practice sheet mixes them so students have to choose a method, and its answer key names the method that fits each problem.
The last method depends on equivalent fractions, so do that lesson first if renaming a fraction is new. The fraction strips are a good hands-on check, and more practice is on the fractions worksheets page.