If two fractions have the same numerator, the one with the bigger denominator, or bottom number, is actually the smaller fraction.
Is 1/4 smaller than 1/3?
Yes!
The bigger the denominator, the smaller the fraction.
Increasing the denominator is like slicing the same pizza into more slices.
This can be tricky, so let's look as some examples.
Which fraction is bigger?
Since the two fractions have the same numerators, all we need to do is compare the denominators.
2/3 has a smaller denominator.
The smaller the denominator, the bigger each slice.
This means 2/3 is greater than 2/4. ✅
The bigger the denominator, the more times you slice the pie.
Thinking about the denominator can be tricky. 😅
Let's learn an easier way to compare fractions, called the crisscross trick.
Say we want to compare 2/3 and 2/4 again.
Here's the trick:
Multiply each numerator with the denominator of the other fraction. This is it's 'crisscross'.
Tip: you can write the crisscross value above each fraction to help you keep track.
Let's find the other crisscross.
The numerator with the larger crisscross is the larger fraction!
So what did you learn?
You can compare any two fractions quickly using the crisscross trick.
You just multiply each numerator by the other fraction's denominator. Whichever numerator has the bigger crisscross is the bigger fraction.
Which fraction is smaller?
5 is the bigger denominator.
So 3/5 is less than 3/4. ✔️
Remember: bigger denominator means smaller slices.
Tip: If you get confused, you can always use the crisscross trick.
Start with the first crisscross.
Next, we find the other crisscross.
Finally, we compare the crisscrosses to find the smaller fraction.
Wow, that's a superfast way to compare two fractions. 🏎😺
Now, try the practice. It'll help you master the skill.