Which fraction is bigger?
A bigger bottom number makes a smaller piece, not a bigger fraction. Two bars of the same length settle any argument, and one half is already marked on them, which decides most pairs at a glance.
3/4 > 2/3
- Against one half
- above / above
Try one
Click a bar to shade up to there.
Ready to try some? Comparing fractions worksheets
Where it usually goes wrong
The bottom numbers get compared as if they were the fraction: 1/8 is called bigger than 1/3 because 8 is bigger than 3. The bottom number says how many pieces the whole was cut into, so a bigger one makes a smaller piece. More pieces, less each.
Try this
- Press 1/2 and 1/3 and read the bars. Thirds are cut from the same length and come out smaller.
- Press Either side of half. One is more than a half and the other is less, which settles it without any common denominator at all.
- Press Cut both the same and watch the amounts stay exactly where they were while the names change.
Where this goes next
Adding and subtracting fractions is this same move made compulsory — the pieces have to match before they can be counted together.