Concept

Fraction – A number that represents part of a whole. Fractions also represent numbers that are less than one. 
Numerator – (top number) represents how many parts are selected out of the total number of parts. 
Denominator – (bottom number) represents how many equal parts make up the whole.

Rule

Comparing fractions with like denominators:
● They have the same number of total pieces (denominator).
● Look at the numerators. They tell how many parts out of the whole.
● Compare those numbers to see which fraction is >, < or =

Example

Compare the fractions.

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{1}{7}$

$\frac{5}{7}$

$\frac{3}{7}$

Solution

Both strips have 7 equal parts and are the same size. So, the parts in the top strip are the same size as the parts in the bottom strip.

When parts are the same size, 5 parts are more than 3 parts. So, more of the top strip is shaded. 

5 is greater than 3.

Answer: $\frac{5}{7}\mathbf{>}\frac{3}{7}$

Pre-requisite Skills

Fractions- part of a whole (4.14.1)