TOPIC 4 · GRADES 3–4 FOUNDATION

Compare and Order Fractions

Use equal wholes, benchmark fractions, and number lines to compare sizes.

MA.3.FR.2.1 · MA.4.FR.1.4

BIG IDEA

Fractions farther right on the same number line are greater. With equal denominators compare numerators; with equal numerators, smaller denominators make larger pieces.

WHAT TO KNOW

Always compare fractions referring to the same-size whole.
Use 0, 1/2, and 1 as helpful benchmarks.
Cross-products can check a comparison later, but visual size reasoning should come first.

WATCH OUT

A larger denominator does not mean a larger fraction when numerators match.

TRY IT

Compare two fractions using bars and confirm the result on a number line.