Idea 15of 24Builds onSame bottom number: compare the topsSplit the parts: same amount, new name
Use 1/2 as a landmark
How can 1/2 help you compare 3/8 and 4/6?
Today you'll discover
- how to find half of any line
- which side of 1/2 a fraction is on
- when a benchmark is enough
Think first3/8 and 4/6: different bottom numbers
Which is greater: 3/8 or 4/6?
Decide first, then press Next. Find the half mark on each line.
Two number lines from 0 to 1, in eighths and sixths, with 3/8 and 4/6 to place. A dashed orange line marks one half on both, named 4/8 and 3/6. The dots are named, then 3/8 < 1/2 < 4/6 is written. The last step shows lines in twelfths and tenths.
See the whole ideathe big idea and the key word, in one place
The big idea
Compare each fraction with a benchmark like 1/2: below it is less, above it is more.
Easy to get wrongA benchmark settles it only when the fractions are on different sides. 3/8 and 2/6 are both below 1/2: use another way.
Quick checkIs the top more than half the bottom? 5/8: half of 8 is 4, and 5 is more, so 5/8 > 1/2.
Key word
- benchmark
- a well-known number, like 0, 1/2 or 1, used to compare other numbers with
Ready to use it?
- Say if a fraction is less or more than 1/2.
- Compare two fractions using a benchmark.