How to Use Models to Compare Fractions?

A Step-by-step guide to using models to compare fractions

You can utilize these models for comparing fractions!

Comparing fractions involves finding out what fraction is bigger or lesser.

For comparing fractions having area models, the size of the whole has to be the same!

Fraction bar models are whenever one draws a long rectangle and then divides it into identical portions to reveal the fraction. A denominator is the number of equal parts that the bar gets divided into. A numerator informs one of the number of parts that should be colored. Then, you must look at the colored areas to decide what fraction is smaller, larger, or equivalent.

Using Models to Compare Fractions-Example 1:

Which model represents the greater fraction?

a)

b)

Solution: Both figures have \(1\) colored parts but the second figure is bigger. This is because shape \(a\) is divided into \(8\) parts but shape \(b\) is sliced into \(2\) parts.

\(\frac{1}{2}>\frac{1}{8}\)

Exercises for Using Models to Compare Fractions

Which model represents the greater fraction?

a)

b)

c)

d)

1. \(\color{blue}{B}\)
2. \(\color{blue}{D}\)