Comparing fractions

Property Use comparison symbols to show the relationship between fractions: < means is less than = means is equal to means is greater than.

Examples Using fraction manipulatives, we can see a $\frac{1}{2}$ piece is larger than a $\frac{1}{3}$ piece, so $\frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{3}$. Comparing three $\frac{1}{6}$ pieces to three $\frac{1}{8}$ pieces shows that $\frac{3}{6}$ is larger, so $\frac{3}{6} \frac{3}{8}$. Drawing two identical rectangles shows that $\frac{2}{3}$ of the area is larger than $\frac{3}{5}$ of the area, so $\frac{2}{3} \frac{3}{5}$.

Explanation Think of it like a pizza party! Would you rather have $\frac{1}{2}$ of a pizza or $\frac{1}{3}$? The fraction pieces show you which slice is bigger, so you know which fraction is greater. The bigger the denominator, the more slices the pizza is cut into, making each individual slice smaller. It’s a tasty way to visualize math!