Comparison of Like Fractions

Any two like fractions can be compared by comparing their numerators. The fraction with larger numerator is greater than the fraction with smaller numerator, for example \(\frac{7}{13}\) > \(\frac{2}{13}\) because 7 > 2.

1. In comparison of like fractions here are some rectangular figures.

(i)

Comparison of Like Fractions

In (i) shaded portion represents 2/7

(ii) 

Comparison of Like Fractions

In (ii) shaded portion represents 3/7


(iii)

Comparison of Like Fractions

In (iii) shaded portion represents 5/7

It is clear that 2/7 < 3/7 < 5/7

or 5/7 > 3/7 > 2/7


Thus, in like fractions or fractions having same denominator, that fraction is greater which has the greater numerator.

Accordingly, 3/5 > 2/5; 2/5 < 3/5

15/17 > 10/17; 10/17 < 15/17



2. Again, let us consider \(\frac{2}{5}\) and \(\frac{3}{5}\).

2 by 5

\(\frac{2}{5}\) represents 2 parts out of 5 equal parts on the strip.

3 by 5

\(\frac{3}{5}\) represents 3 parts out of 5 equal parts on the strip.

3 > 2

Hence, for any two like fractions, the fraction with the larger numerator is greater than the fraction with smaller numerator.

Comparison of Like Fractions

If there are three or more like fractions, they may be arranged in ascending (increasing) and descending (decreasing) order. The order will be according to the order of the numerators.

(a) Ascending order: 1/9, 2/9, 3/9, 4/9, 5/9, 7/9, 8/9:

as, 1 < 2 < 3 < 4 < 5 < 7 < 8


(b) Descending order: 8/9, 7/9, 5/9, 4/9, 3/9, 2/9, 1/9:

as, 8 > 7 > 5 > 4 > 3 > 2 > 1

Similarly again;


(a) Ascending order: 5/17, 7/17, 8/17, 11/17, 13/17, 14/17, 16/17:

as, 5 < 7 < 8 < 11 < 13 < 14 < 16

(b) Descending order: 16/17, 14/17, 13/17, 11/17, 8/17, 7/17, 5/17:

as, 16 > 14 > 13 > 11 > 8 > 7 > 5


Comparison of Fractions:

Fractions with same Denominator:

If two fractions have the same denominator, the fraction with greater numerator denotes the greater fraction.

For example,

\(\frac{6}{9}\) > \(\frac{4}{9}\)

\(\frac{2}{3}\) < \(\frac{5}{3}\)



Questions and Answers on Comparison of Like Fractions:

1. Compare the given fractions and put the right sign <,> or =.

(i) \(\frac{7}{4}\) …… \(\frac{11}{4}\)

(ii) \(\frac{8}{13}\) …… \(\frac{2}{13}\)

(iii) \(\frac{5}{24}\) …… \(\frac{7}{24}\)


Answers:

1. (i) <

(ii) >

(iii) <


2. Put the appropriate sign >, < or = in the box.

(i) \(\frac{3}{8}\) ______ \(\frac{2}{8}\)

(ii) \(\frac{11}{7}\) ______ \(\frac{13}{7}\)

(iii) \(\frac{2}{9}\) ______ \(\frac{7}{9}\)

(iv) \(\frac{5}{11}\) ______ \(\frac{1}{11}\)


Answers:

2. (i) >

(ii) <

(iii) <

(iv) >

Related Concept





4th Grade Math Activities

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