Comparing Fractions - Activities & Resources for 3rd Grade - Free Printable

Let’s solve each fraction comparison step by step.

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Problem 1: Compare 3/4 and 1/4

Both fractions have the same denominator (4).
When denominators are the same, we just compare the numerators.
3 > 1 → So, 3/4 > 1/4

✔ Answer for #1: >

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Problem 2: Compare 4/7 and 6/7

Same denominator (7).
Compare numerators: 4 < 6 → So, 4/7 < 6/7

✔ Answer for #2: <

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Problem 3: Compare 1/5 and 1/2

Different denominators. Let’s think about what these mean.

- 1/5 means 1 part out of 5 equal parts — that’s a small piece.
- 1/2 means 1 part out of 2 equal parts — that’s half, which is bigger.

You can also cross-multiply to check:

1 × 2 = 2
1 × 5 = 5
Since 2 < 5 → 1/5 < 1/2

✔ Answer for #3: <

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Problem 4: Compare 2/3 and 2/5

Same numerator (2), different denominators.

When numerators are the same, the fraction with the *smaller* denominator is *bigger*, because you’re dividing into fewer pieces — so each piece is larger.

3 < 5 → so 2/3 > 2/5

Check with common denominator if needed:

LCM of 3 and 5 is 15.

2/3 = 10/15
2/5 = 6/15
10 > 6 → so 2/3 > 2/5

✔ Answer for #4: >

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Problem 5: Compare 6/8 and 6/7

Same numerator (6), different denominators.

Again, smaller denominator = bigger fraction.

7 < 8 → so 6/7 > 6/8 → meaning 6/8 < 6/7

Check with decimals or common denominator:

6/8 = 0.75
6/7 ≈ 0.857 → yes, 0.75 < 0.857

Or convert to same denominator:

LCM of 8 and 7 is 56.

6/8 = 42/56
6/7 = 48/56
42 < 48 → so 6/8 < 6/7

✔ Answer for #5: <

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Final Answer:
1. >
2. <
3. <
4. >
5. <