Fraction Comparisons: 1/4 and 7/10

In Math Workshop, our classes are still eagerly working on making sense of fractions. Our current focus is on developing our repertoire of strategies for comparing fractions. Here are four of our most commonly used strategies:

1) When the denominators are the same, compare the numerators. In this example, equivalent fractions with common denominators were made so that the two fractions can easily be compared. 14/20 is greater than 5/20.

2) When the numerators are the same, compare the denominators. In this example, an equivalent fraction for 1/4 was made, so that both fractions would have the common numerator "7". The smaller the denominator the bigger each piece, so "7" tenths are greater than "7" twenty-eighths.

3) Compare fractions to landmarks, such as 1/2 or 1 whole. 1/4 is less than one-half and 7/10 is more than one-half, so it is clear that 7/10 is the greater fraction. A simple number line model shows these distinctions clearly.

4) Convert the fractions to percents. We love percents! This is one of our favorite methods because, when we know our percent equivalents, we can tell which fraction is greater in an instant!

Stay tuned for more fraction comparison strategies!
Students, which comparison strategy do you enjoy using most~ and why???