MathPractice
Fractions · Grade 3

Compare fractions with a common numerator or denominator

Use two comparison strategies: count parts of the same size, or compare the size of the same number of parts.

Grade 38 questions per setNo account needed
Practice 8 questions Download worksheet

US Letter PDF · A4 version · Answer key

What we’re working onCompare fractions with the same denominator or the same numerator, using the same whole.

First page of the Compare familiar fractions worksheet, with visible questions and room to work.Open worksheet PDF · 8 questions · US Letter
See how it works

Worked examples

Example 1

Same denominator

Compare 5/8 and 3/8.

  1. Both fractions count eighths of the same whole.
  2. An eighth has the same size in both fractions.
  3. Five eighths is more than three eighths.

5/8 > 3/8

Example 2

Same numerator

Compare 2/3 and 2/6 of the same whole.

  1. Both fractions count two parts.
  2. A third is larger than a sixth of the same whole.
  3. Two of the larger parts make the larger fraction.

2/3 > 2/6

A question from this worksheet

Compare 2/4 __ 4/4 of the same-sized whole.

See the explanation

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2/4 < 4/4. The denominators match, so comparing numerators compares the amounts.

Choose how to practice

Pick the support you need.

Each set has eight questions. The online practice and prepared worksheet use the same questions.

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For the grown-up beside them

Help the thinking along.

A useful question

Are the parts the same size, or are we counting the same number of parts?

What to look for

The learner chooses a reason that fits the comparison instead of comparing only the written numbers.

A common sticking point

Assuming the fraction with the larger denominator must be larger.

Help without giving the answer

Show equal-length bars. Compare one part in each bar, then count the parts in the two fractions.

Keep the words clear

Words in this skill.

compare
Decide whether one number is less than, equal to, or greater than another.
numerator
How many parts of the stated size are counted.
denominator
How many equal parts make one whole.
greater than
The relationship shown by >; for example, 5/8 > 3/8.

What these sets cover.

  • Use denominators 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 and values from 0 to 1.
  • Keep the reference whole the same in every comparison.
  • Include equality; two fractions are not always different in value.

Common questions

Can these rules be used when both numbers differ?

Not on their own. For 3/4 and 5/8, neither the number of parts nor their size matches. Use a model, a benchmark, or equivalent fractions.

Does a larger denominator always make a smaller fraction?

It makes each part smaller for the same whole. The whole fraction also depends on how many parts its numerator counts.

Try next

Make equivalent fractions

Next, rename fractions using the same factor in the numerator and denominator.

Explore this skill

Related standards: 3.NF.3.d. These materials focus on this skill, not every part of a grade-level curriculum. How we check materials.