Comparing Fractions with Craft Ribbons

Compare fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator.

Same denominator

The ribbons in each problem are the same length. Compare the fractions.

Nora and Eli each cut a ribbon into 8 equal pieces. Nora uses 3 pieces. Eli uses 5 pieces.

Write >, < or =.
3/8 5/8

Ivy uses 4/6 of a ribbon. Omar uses 2/6 of a ribbon of the same length. Which symbol makes this true?
4/6 __ 2/6

A. <B. =C. >

Sam marks two fractions on a number line from 0 to 1. The dot closer to 0 is at 3/8. The other dot is at 7/8.

Write >, < or =.
7/8 3/8

Same numerator

The ribbons in each problem are the same length. When a ribbon is cut into more pieces, each piece is smaller.

Tia cuts one ribbon into 3 equal pieces and another ribbon into 6 equal pieces. She uses 1 piece of each.

Write >, < or =.
1/3 1/6

Ravi has 2/8 of a ribbon. June has 2/4 of a ribbon of the same length. Who has more ribbon?

A. Ravi, because 8 is more than 4.B. June, because fourths are bigger pieces than eighths.C. They have the same amount, because both have 2 pieces.

Think about ribbons that are all the same length. Which comparison is true?

A. 3/8 > 3/4B. 3/4 < 3/6C. 3/6 < 3/4D. 3/4 = 3/8

Luis uses 4/8 of a ribbon. Ana uses 4/6 of a ribbon of the same length.

Write >, < or =.
4/8 4/6

Ribbon puzzles

Think about the size of the pieces and the size of the whole ribbon.

Each comparison is about ribbons of the same length. Sort each one as true or false.

Zoe has a very long ribbon. Max has a short ribbon. Zoe says, "1/4 of my ribbon is longer than 1/2 of Max's ribbon, so 1/4 is greater than 1/2." What is wrong with her thinking?

A. Nothing is wrong. 1/4 is greater than 1/2.B. Fourths are always bigger pieces than halves.C. You can only compare fractions when the wholes are the same size, and their ribbons are not the same length.D. Max should cut his ribbon into more pieces.

10.

Kim and Ray have ribbons of the same length. Kim cuts hers into 6 equal pieces and uses 5 of them. Ray cuts his into 8 equal pieces and uses 5 of them.

Write >, < or =.
5/6 5/8
Who used more ribbon?

11.

Diego says 1/8 is greater than 1/4 because 8 is greater than 4. Is Diego right? Use the ribbons to explain.