Fractions Learning Pathways


Comparing Fractions

Comparing Fractions





Compare familiar fraction quantities with and without benchmark referents

Understanding a fraction as a number (a quantity) and using multiple strategies to compare familiar fraction quantities helps students compare fractions beyond merely using common denominators.


Comparing and ordering fractions allows students to develop a sense of fraction as quantity, as well as a sense of the size of a fraction, both necessary prior knowledge components for understanding fraction operations (Johanning, 2011).

Comparing and ordering fractions with different fractional units (or denominators) leads students to identify the need for equivalent fractions. When students determine an equivalent fraction they are changing the unit of measure by either splitting or merging the partitions of the original fraction. The following illustration demonstrates these concepts using an area model:

Splitting to determine an equivalent fraction for 2/3 Splitting to determine an equivalent fraction for 2/3
Merging to determine an equivalent fraction for 6/8 Merging to determine an equivalent fraction for 6/8
The exploration of equivalence allows students to develop an understanding of equivalent fractions as simply being a different way of naming the same quantity; it also supports them in viewing the fraction as a numeric value. A solid understanding of equivalence helps students with fractions operations, especially addition and subtraction.


Johanning, D. I. (2011). Estimation's role in calculations with fractions. Mathematics Teaching In the Middle School, 17(2), 96-102.


Familiar Fractions and Benchmarks Comparisons

This is a set of prompts consisting of purposely paired fractions to elicit the use of various strategies. The prompts may be used on different occasions depending on student readiness. Repeated practice and exploration in making comparisons between fractions will deepen student understanding. Encourage students to build models/representations and create contexts to support visualization of fractions, which in turn supports meaning-making.
        Equivalency Comparisons