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Compare fractions with the same denominator

When fractions describe the same whole and have the same positive denominator, their numerators count equal-sized parts, so the fraction with the greater numerator is greater; equal numerators represent equal fractions, expressed with <<, >>, or ==. A number line or fraction strip shows this ordering and reinforces that the denominator names the size of each part, not the quantity of parts; comparison of fractions with unlike denominators or more advanced equivalent-fraction strategies is not included.

Detailed Explanation: Compare fractions with the same denominator

When two fractions have the same denominator, they name the same-sized parts. Compare the numerators because the numerator tells how many parts there are.

Example: Compare 38\frac{3}{8} and 58\frac{5}{8}.

  1. Look at the denominators: both are 88.
    This means both wholes are divided into 88 equal parts.

  2. Compare the numerators: 33 and 55.

  3. Since 55 is greater than 33, 58\frac{5}{8} has more eighths. Therefore, it is greater.

38<58\frac{3}{8}<\frac{5}{8}

On a fraction strip or number line, 38\frac{3}{8} comes before 58\frac{5}{8} because it is closer to 00. When the numerators are equal, the fractions are equal, such as 38=38\frac{3}{8}=\frac{3}{8}.

Learn by doing: Compare fractions with the same denominator

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    Fraction Comparison - Basic - No Changed Denominator

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