Idea 16of 24Builds onUse 1/2 as a landmarkSame top number: more parts means smaller parts
Which is closer to 1?
Which is greater, 5/6 or 7/8?
Today you'll discover
- how far each fraction is from 1
- why a smaller gap means a greater fraction
- when this way works
Think first5/6 and 7/8: both nearly 1
Which is greater: 5/6 or 7/8?
Decide first, then press Next. Look at the gap between each dot and 1.
Two number lines from 0 to 1, in sixths and eighths, with 5/6 and 7/8 to place. Orange brackets show the gap from each to 1, marked 1/6 and 1/8 short. The dots are named, then 5/6 < 7/8 is written. The last step shows lines in tenths and twelfths.
See the whole ideathe big idea and the key word, in one place
The big idea
When two fractions are each one part short of 1, the one with the smaller gap is greater.
With fourths and fifths3/4 is 1/4 short of 1; 4/5 is 1/5 short. 1/5 < 1/4, so 4/5 > 3/4.
Easy to get wrongUse this when the gaps are easy to compare, like 1/6 and 1/8. For 3/5 and 5/8, rename them instead.
Key word
- gap to 1
- how much a fraction is short of 1 whole: 5/6 is 1/6 short of 1
Ready to use it?
- Find how much a fraction is short of 1.
- Compare fractions that are close to 1.