Texas Math Models

Try “number line” or “4.5D”

Comparing fractions

3/4 Grades 3–4

Grade 3 · one part matches same bottom number, just count the pieces 34 14 34>14 same top number: compare the piece SIZE 34 38 34>38 more pieces in the whole = SMALLER pieces Grade 4 · neither one matches 34vs23 a benchmark does not settle it: both are past a half so cut BOTH wholes into the same size pieces 34 912 = 23 812 = each pair is the same amount: only the pieces changed 912>812so34>23

How this one works

How

check each one against a half first. If that doesn’t settle it, cut both into the same size pieces.

Best when

you are asked which fraction is bigger.

seen one of these on a test? See it on a real question: TEKS 4.3D, comparing two fractions, or TEKS 4.2G, decimals and fractions that mean the same thing.

The same problem, other ways