Comparing Fractions

Resources and Tools for Elementary Math Specialists and Teachers

RegisterSign inLearn about the benefits of registering

Teachers can use this interactive tool to help students build a conceptual understanding of fractions by comparing and ordering numeric representations, or comparing fractions using symbols (>, < or =). This page includes a video demonstration of the tool and sample lessons from the Conceptua curriculum. Free registration is required to use the tool. A paid subscription is necessary to access full curriculum and allow full student use.

Average

(0 Comments)

Contributed by: Conceptua Math, Publisher

Math TopicNumber Sense, Decimals, Fractions, Mathematical Practices, Mathematical Processes

Grade Level3, 4, 5

Resource TypeActivity, Demonstration, Interactive Media, Video

Additional Information
- AudienceEducator
- LanguageEnglish (USA)
- Education Topic
- Interdisciplinary Connection
- Professional DevelopmentYes
- ContributorConceptua Math, Publisher
- Publication Date2011
- RightsCopyright (c) 2011 Conceptua Math, LLC
  http://www.conceptuamath.com/terms.html
- AccessAvailable by subscription, Free access with registration
Standards
- Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
  Select a standards document:
- Standards for Mathematical Practice[K-12]
- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.[K-12]
- Reason abstractly and quantitatively.[K-12]
- Model with mathematics.[K-12]
- Use appropriate tools strategically.[K-12]
- Number and Operations—Fractions[3 - 5]
- Develop understanding of fractions as numbers.[3]
- 3. Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.[3]
- a. Understand two fractions as equivalent (equal) if they are the same size, or the same point on a number line.[3]
- b. Recognize and generate simple equivalent fractions, e.g., 1/2 = 2/4, 4/6 = 2/3). Explain why the fractions are equivalent, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.[3]
- d. Compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.[3]
- Extend understanding of fraction equivalence and ordering.[4]
- 1. Explain why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (n × a)/(n × b) by using visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size. Use this principle to recognize and generate equivalent fractions.[4]
- 2. Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, e.g., by creating common denominators or numerators, or by comparing to a benchmark fraction such as 1/2. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.[4]
- Understand decimal notation for fractions, and compare decimal fractions.[4]
- 7. Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two decimals refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual model.[4]

Mathlanding is a project of Maryland Public Television in partnership with The Math Forum at Drexel University
and the International Society for Technology in Education. © 2012 Maryland Public Television

Comparing Fractions

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics