4th Grade Mathematics — Fractions and Decimals — Parts of God's Whole
Students will learn how to compare fractions with like and unlike denominators using models, benchmarks, and common denominators.
Sometimes we need to compare fractions to know which is greater or smaller. When fractions have the same denominator, comparing is easy — just look at the numerators. For example, 5/8 is greater than 3/8 because 5 parts is more than 3 parts.
When fractions have different denominators, we need to find a common denominator before comparing. For example, to compare 1/3 and 1/4, we can rewrite them with a denominator of 12: 1/3 = 4/12 and 1/4 = 3/12. Since 4/12 > 3/12, we know 1/3 > 1/4.
A helpful benchmark is 1/2. You can quickly tell if a fraction is greater than, less than, or equal to 1/2. For example, 3/5 is greater than 1/2 because 3 is more than half of 5. And 2/7 is less than 1/2 because 2 is less than half of 7.
Jesus taught that faithfulness in small things matters (Luke 16:10). Even small fractions are important! Whether you are measuring ingredients for a recipe or dividing something fairly, knowing how to compare fractions helps you be a good steward of what God gives you.
Practice comparing 10 pairs of fractions using >, <, or = signs. Use fraction bars or number lines to check your work. Then order these fractions from least to greatest: 1/2, 3/8, 2/3, 1/4, 5/6.