MathPractice
Fractions · Grade 4

Compare unlike fractions

Compare fractions with different numerators and denominators. Use a helpful benchmark or rename them with a shared part size.

Grade 48 questions per setNo account needed
Practice 8 questions Download worksheet

US Letter PDF · A4 version · Answer key

What we’re working onChoose and explain a valid comparison strategy for unlike fractions.

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

Worked examples

Example 1

Use one half

Compare 3/8 and 2/3.

  1. One half is 4/8, so 3/8 is less than one half.
  2. One half is also 3/6. Since 2/3 = 4/6, 2/3 is greater than one half.
  3. A number below one half is less than a number above one half.

3/8 < 2/3

Example 2

Use equal-size parts

Compare 3/4 and 7/8.

  1. Rename fourths as eighths: 3/4 = 6/8.
  2. Now both fractions count eighths of the same whole.
  3. Six eighths is less than seven eighths.

3/4 < 7/8

A question from this worksheet

Compare 3/6 __ 15/10 of the same-sized whole.

See the explanation

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3/6 < 15/10. Rename both with denominator 60: 30/60 and 90/60. Now each piece is the same size, so compare 30 and 90.

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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

Would one half or one whole separate these values? If not, what equal-size parts could compare them?

What to look for

The learner gives a reason for the sign and uses the same unit in both models.

A common sticking point

Comparing the numerator or denominator alone when both are different.

Help without giving the answer

Mark one half on a number line. Place each fraction relative to it before asking for an exact comparison.

Keep the words clear

Words in this skill.

benchmark
A familiar value, such as 0, 1/2, or 1, used to reason about other values.
common denominator
A shared denominator used to name parts of the same size.
equivalent fractions
Different fraction names for the same number.
hundredth
One of 100 equal parts of one whole, written 1/100.

What these sets cover.

  • Start with fractions on opposite sides of 1/2 before comparing closer values.
  • Begin below 1, then compare fractions above 1. For hundredths, try 50/100 as the half-whole benchmark.
  • Use identical wholes when comparing shaded areas or lengths.

Common questions

Must I always find a common denominator?

No. If one fraction is below 1/2 and the other is above 1/2, a benchmark settles the comparison.

Can two unlike fractions be equal?

Yes. For example, 2/3 and 4/6 have different numerators and denominators but the same value.

How can a benchmark help compare hundredths?

One half is 50/100. That makes 47/100 less than 1/2. To compare 65/100 with 3/5, rename 3/5 as 60/100: 65/100 is greater. Use the same-sized whole in both models.

Try next

Decompose fractions

Next, break a fraction into smaller amounts that add back to the same value.

Explore this skill

Related standards: 4.NF.2. These materials focus on this skill, not every part of a grade-level curriculum. How we check materials.