Comparing and ordering fractions in 3rd Grade: Worksheets, tips, and tricks

Now that we know how important fractions are in math and our daily lives let’s learn what they are and how to write them.

A fraction is a number that shows how many parts of a whole or a set are being considered. A fraction has two parts: a numerator and a denominator. The numerator is the number above the fraction bar, which tells how many parts are being considered. The denominator is the number below the fraction bar, which tells how many equal parts the whole or the set is divided into.

For example, in the fraction 2/5, the numerator is 2, and the denominator is 5. This means that we are considering 2 parts out of 5 equal parts.

To write a fraction, we need to follow these steps:

• Identify the whole or the set that we are working with.
• Divide the whole or the set into equal parts.
• Count how many parts we are considering.
• Write the fraction using the numerator and the denominator.

For example, if we have a circle and we divide it into four equal parts, we can write fractions to represent each part or combination of parts.

• One part is 1/4 of the circle.
• Two parts are 2/4 of the circle.
• Three parts are 3/4 of the circle.
• Four parts are 4/4 of the circle.

Are you already a master of comparing and ordering fractions? Uplift your skills with examples of engaging and challenging practice worksheets using different tips and tricks.

Let’s get started:

• How to compare fractions using models with like denominators: In this worksheet, you will see different fraction models with the same denominator. You need to compare the fractions using the greater than (>), less than (<), or equal to (=) signs.
• How to compare fractions using models with unlike denominators: In this worksheet, you will see different fraction models with different denominators. You need to compare the fractions using the greater than (>), less than (<), or equal to (=) signs. You may need to use equivalent fractions to help you compare them. For example, https://mathskills4kids.com/comparing-and-ordering-fractions-3rd-grade.

  https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/comparing-fractions/

• Compare fractions in recipes: In this worksheet, you will see different recipes that use fractions to measure ingredients. You need to compare the fractions in each recipe and see which uses more or less of a certain ingredient.
• Comparing fractions using benchmarks: In this worksheet, you will see different fractions to compare using benchmarks. Benchmarks are common fractions you can use as reference points, such as 1/2, 1/4, 3/4, etc.
• Ordering fractions with the same denominators or numerators: In this worksheet, you will see different fractions with either the same denominator or the same numerator. You need to order them from least to greatest or greatest to least. For example; https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/ordering-fractions/

Comparing and ordering fractions can be tricky sometimes, but some tips and tricks can make it easier and faster. Here are some of them:

• If two fractions have the same denominator, the one with the larger numerator is larger.
• If two fractions have the same numerator, the one with the smaller denominator is larger.
• If two fractions have different denominators, you can cross-multiply them and compare the products.

  Then, you can compare 10 and 9 and see that 10 is larger than 9. So, 2/3 is larger than 3/5.

• You can also use common factors to simplify fractions before comparing or ordering them. For example, to compare 8/12 and 8/16, you can simplify them by dividing the numerator and denominator by their common factor of 6. Then, you get 2/3 and 2/4. Now, it's easier to see that 2/3 is larger than 2/4.
• You can also use common multiples to find equivalent fractions before comparing or ordering them. For example, to compare 2/5 and 3/8, you can find a common multiple of their denominators, which is 40. Then, you can multiply the numerator and denominator by the same factor to get equivalent fractions with 40 as the denominator. Then, you get 16/40 and 15/40. Now, it's easier to see that 16/40 is larger than 15/40.

You might wonder why you must learn to compare and order fractions. After all, when will you ever use fractions in real life? The answer is: more often than you think! Using Mathskills4kids’ fractions worksheets designed with real-life examples, you will realize that fractions are everywhere, and comparing and ordering them can help you make sense of the world around you.

Here are some examples of real-world applications of comparing and ordering fractions:

• Cooking and baking: When you follow a recipe, you need to measure ingredients using fractions. For example, you might need 1/4 cup of sugar, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, or 2/3 cup of milk. Sometimes, you might need to adjust the recipe to make more or less servings. In that case, you need to compare and order fractions to see how much each ingredient you need.

  For example, if you want to double a recipe for 1/2 cup of flour, you will use 1 cup of flour. If you want to halve a recipe for 3/4 cup of butter, you will use 3/8 cup of butter.

• Shopping and Budgeting: When you go shopping, you might encounter fractions in prices, discounts, or sales tax. For example, if a shirt is marked down 25%, you will pay 75% of the original price. If the original price was $20, you can compare and order fractions to determine how much you save and pay. You save 25% of $20, which is 1/4 of $20 and $5. You pay 75% of $20, which is 3/4 of $20, which is $15.
• Sports and games: When you play sports or games, you might use fractions to keep score, calculate probabilities, or compare performances. For example, if you play basketball, you might want to know your free throw percentage. That means how many free throws you make out of how many you attempt. If you make 7 free throws out of 10 attempts, your free throw percentage is 7/10 or 70%. You can compare and order fractions to see how your percentage compares to other players or teams.