Lesson 5: Compare fractions greater than 1 by reasoning using benchmark fractions.

Property

When comparing two mixed numbers, the number with the greater whole number part is the greater number.
If the whole number parts $A$ and $D$ are different, the fractional parts do not need to be compared.
If $A > D$, then $A\frac{b}{c} > D\frac{e}{f}$.

Examples

Property

To compare two mixed numbers with the same whole number, $W \frac{a}{b}$ and $W \frac{c}{d}$, you only need to compare their fractional parts, $\frac{a}{b}$ and $\frac{c}{d}$.
A useful strategy is to use a benchmark fraction like $\frac{1}{2}$.
If one fractional part is less than $\frac{1}{2}$ and the other is greater than $\frac{1}{2}$, the mixed number with the fraction greater than $\frac{1}{2}$ is the larger number.

Examples