Skill: 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 $\frac{3}{8}$ and $\frac{5}{8}$.

1. Look at the denominators: both are $8$.
   This means both wholes are divided into $8$ equal parts.

2. Compare the numerators: $3$ and $5$.

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

$$\frac{3}{8}<\frac{5}{8}$$

On a fraction strip or number line, $\frac{3}{8}$ comes before $\frac{5}{8}$ because it is closer to $0$. When the numerators are equal, the fractions are equal, such as $\frac{3}{8}=\frac{3}{8}$.