Mixed Numerals and Comparing Fractions
Compare and order fractions with the same and related denominators including mixed numerals, applying knowledge of factors and multiples; represent these fractions on a number line.
Read this first
A mixed numeral is a whole number and a fraction together. It has a place on the number line too.
5/8 sits further right, so it is bigger.
Words you need
- Mixed numeral
- A whole number with a fraction, like 1 and a half.
- Improper fraction
- A fraction with a top bigger than its bottom.
- Compare
- Decide which is bigger.
Worked example
e.g. Write 7/4 as a mixed numeral.
- How many quarters make one whole? Four.
- How many fours are in 7? One, with 3 left over.
- So that is 1 whole and 3 quarters.
- 7/4 = 1 and 3/4.
Divide the top by the bottom. The remainder stays as the fraction.
Practice
The pictures fade as you go. By the last few you are on your own.
1Which is bigger: 3/8 or 5/8?with a picture
Answer5/8. Same size pieces, more of them.
2Which is bigger: 1/2 or 3/8?with a picture
Answer1/2. It is 4/8.
3Write 9/4 as a mixed numeral.with a hint
Need a hint?
How many fours in 9?
Answer2 and 1/4.
4Write 2 and 1/3 as an improper fraction.with a hint
Need a hint?
Two wholes is 6 thirds.
Answer7/3.
5Which is bigger: 5/6 or 2/3?on your own
Answer5/6. 2/3 is 4/6.
6Write 11/5 as a mixed numeral.on your own
Answer2 and 1/5.
7Is 8/8 more or less than 1?on your own
AnswerExactly 1.
Think about it
1
Why is 7/4 more than 1?
One good answer4/4 makes one whole, and there are more than four quarters.
2
How do you compare thirds with sixths?
One good answerChange the thirds into sixths first.
Common mistakes
Thinking a bigger top always means a bigger fraction.
Only if the bottoms match.
Adding the whole number to the top.
2 and 1/3 is 7/3, not 3/3.