Skill: Compare halves, thirds, and fourths

A whole can be split into equal parts. The number on the bottom of a fraction tells how many equal parts the whole is split into.

For the same whole:

• If the whole is split into $2$ equal parts, each part is $\frac{1}{2}$.
• If it is split into $3$ equal parts, each part is $\frac{1}{3}$.
• If it is split into $4$ equal parts, each part is $\frac{1}{4}$.

Example: Compare $\frac{1}{2}$, $\frac{1}{3}$, and $\frac{1}{4}$.

1. Imagine three same-size pizzas.
2. Cut the first pizza into $2$ equal pieces. One piece is $\frac{1}{2}$.
3. Cut the second pizza into $3$ equal pieces. One piece is $\frac{1}{3}$.
4. Cut the third pizza into $4$ equal pieces. One piece is $\frac{1}{4}$.
5. When a whole is divided into more equal parts, each part is smaller.

So, from largest to smallest:

$$\frac{1}{2} > \frac{1}{3} > \frac{1}{4}$$

Remember: for these unit fractions, the more equal parts there are, the smaller each share is.