To compare fractions that have the same numerator (the top number), you just need to look at the denominators (the bottom numbers).
The Rule:
* The
smaller the denominator, the
larger the fraction. (Imagine sharing a pizza with fewer people; you get more slices!)
* The
larger the denominator, the
smaller the fraction. (Sharing with more people means smaller slices.)
* If the denominators are the same, the fractions are equal.
Let's solve each problem step-by-step:
1) $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{3}$
- Numerators are both 1.
- Denominators are 2 and 3.
- 2 is smaller than 3, so $\frac{1}{2}$ is bigger.
- Answer: $>$
2) $\frac{5}{9}$ and $\frac{5}{6}$
- Numerators are both 5.
- Denominators are 9 and 6.
- 9 is larger than 6, so $\frac{5}{9}$ is smaller.
- Answer: $<$
3) $\frac{7}{9}$ and $\frac{7}{2}$
- Numerators are both 7.
- Denominators are 9 and 2.
- 9 is larger than 2, so $\frac{7}{9}$ is smaller.
- Answer: $<$
4) $\frac{4}{5}$ and $\frac{4}{5}$
- Both the numerators and denominators are exactly the same.
- Answer: $=$
5) $\frac{2}{3}$ and $\frac{2}{8}$
- Numerators are both 2.
- Denominators are 3 and 8.
- 3 is smaller than 8, so $\frac{2}{3}$ is bigger.
- Answer: $>$
6) $\frac{6}{8}$ and $\frac{6}{9}$
- Numerators are both 6.
- Denominators are 8 and 9.
- 8 is smaller than 9, so $\frac{6}{8}$ is bigger.
- Answer: $>$
7) $\frac{9}{10}$ and $\frac{9}{10}$
- Both fractions are identical.
- Answer: $=$
8) $\frac{1}{9}$ and $\frac{1}{2}$
- Numerators are both 1.
- Denominators are 9 and 2.
- 9 is larger than 2, so $\frac{1}{9}$ is smaller.
- Answer: $<$
9) $\frac{4}{5}$ and $\frac{4}{7}$
- Numerators are both 4.
- Denominators are 5 and 7.
- 5 is smaller than 7, so $\frac{4}{5}$ is bigger.
- Answer: $>$
10) $\frac{1}{7}$ and $\frac{1}{10}$
- Numerators are both 1.
- Denominators are 7 and 10.
- 7 is smaller than 10, so $\frac{1}{7}$ is bigger.
- Answer: $>$
Final Answer:
1) >
2) <
3) <
4) =
5) >
6) >
7) =
8) <
9) >
10) >
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of comparing fractions worksheet unlike and like.
