Comparing Fractions — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. In Grade 3, write the symbol between 3/8 and 5/8: 3/8 < 5/8.
3 eighths is fewer pieces than 5 eighths, so 3/8 < 5/8.
2. In Grade 3, write the symbol between 1/2 and 1/6: 1/2 > 1/6.
Halves are bigger pieces than sixths, so 1/2 > 1/6.
3. In Grade 3, 2/4 and 1/2 are equivalent, so 2/4 = 1/2.
2/4 simplifies to 1/2, so the fractions are equal.
4. In Grade 3, compare 4/10 to 1/2 using a benchmark. 4/10 < 1/2.
4/10 is less than 5/10, and 5/10 equals 1/2, so 4/10 < 1/2.
5. In Grade 3, 7/8 is close to the benchmark 1 because only one eighth is missing.
7/8 is only 1/8 away from a whole, so it is close to 1.
6. In Grade 3, 1/12 is close to the benchmark 0 because it is only one small piece.
1/12 is a very small piece, so it lies close to 0 on the number line.
7. In Grade 3, 3/6 equals 1/2 because 3 is half of 6, so 3/6 = 1/2.
3/6 reduces to 1/2, naming the same amount.
8. In Grade 3, compare 5/6 and 2/6: 5/6 > 2/6.
5 sixths is more pieces than 2 sixths, so 5/6 > 2/6.
9. In Grade 3, compare 2/3 and 2/5: 2/3 > 2/5.
Thirds are bigger pieces than fifths, so 2/3 > 2/5.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
In Grade 3, 3/4 compared to 1/4
→ greater than (>)
greater than (>)
In Grade 3, 2/8 compared to 2/3
→ less than (<)
less than (<)
In Grade 3, 4/8 compared to 1/2
→ equal to (=)
equal to (=)
In Grade 3, 1/10 compared to the benchmark
→ close to 0
close to 0
3/4 > 1/4 (same denominator, bigger numerator); 2/8 < 2/3 (same numerator, smaller pieces); 4/8 = 1/2 (equivalent); 1/10 sits close to 0 on a number line.