Comparing Fractions and Mixed Numbers with Same Denominator

In grades 3, 4 and 5 students spend quite some time covering fractions. One of the areas that causes a bit of confusion is comparing a fraction and a mixed number. It takes careful consideration to work out which of the fraction or mixed number is greater than, less than, or if they are equal to each other.

Let’s take you through how to compare fractions and mixed numbers with the same denominator. We’ll use examples to demonstrate.

Comparing an improper fraction and a mixed number with the same denominator

When comparing an improper fraction (a fraction in which the top number is greater than or equal to the bottom number) and a mixed number with the same denominator (bottom number), you’ll first need to convert the mixed number to an improper fraction.

For example, let’s compare the improper mixed number 4 1/3 with the improper fraction 15/3.

compare fractions and mixed numbers

Converting mixed numbers into improper fractions

1. First, we need to convert the mixed number to an improper fraction.

compare fractions and mixed numbers

2. Multiply the denominator (bottom number) by the whole number:

compare fractions and mixed numbers

3. Add the numerator (top number) to the answer:

compare fractions and mixed numbers

4. The answer is the numerator (top number):

compare fractions and mixed numbers

The denominator stays the same:

compare fractions and mixed numbers

Now we can compare the numbers:

compare fractions and mixed numbers

Converting an improper fraction into a mixed number

You can also work on the improper fraction to work out which mixed number is greater than, less than or if they are equal.

Here’s an example:

compare fractions and mixed numbers

We’re looking to convert the improper fraction into a mixed number:

compare fractions and mixed numbers

1. Divide the denominator (bottom number) into the numerator (top number). This answer becomes the whole number:

compare fractions and mixed numbers

2. The remainder becomes the numerator:

compare fractions and mixed numbers

3. The denominator remains the same. So the mixed number is:

compare fractions and mixed numbers

The answer is:

compare fractions and mixed numbers

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