Compare Fractions
Compare 1/2, 1/4, 3/4 of the same whole using >, <, =.
Compare Fractions
Compare Fractions
What you'll learn
- Compare 1/2, 1/4, 3/4 of the same whole using >, <, =.
- More equal parts → each part is smaller.
- Use drawings to compare before symbols.
- Apply to sharing and Math Mela fraction strips.
Key concepts
Level 1 — Core idea
Verbal: Half a pizza is more than a quarter of the same pizza.
Symbolic: 1/2 > 1/4; 3/4 > 1/2 when same whole.
Visual: Two identical bars: shade 1/2 on one, 1/4 on other — half bar has more shade.
Level 2 — Going deeper
Only compare fractions of the same whole. 1/2 of a big cake vs 1/4 of small cake — cannot compare without same size.
NCERT anchor
NCERT Math Mela, Class 3 — Chapter 10 uses fraction strips. Align strips of the same length to compare 1/2 and 1/4 visually.
Worked example
Compare 1/2 and 1/4 of the same roti.
Step 1 — Same whole ✓
Step 2 — 1/2 = 2/4 in size
Step 3 — 2/4 > 1/4 → **1/2 > 1/4**
Compare 3/4 and 1/2.
Step 1 — 1/2 = 2/4
Step 2 — 3/4 vs 2/4 → three parts beat two
Answer: **3/4 > 1/2**
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 > 1/2 because 4 > 2 | Comparing denominators alone | More parts → smaller each |
| Comparing different-sized wholes | Two different cakes | Need same whole |
| 3/4 < 1/2 | Mis-counting shaded parts | Draw and count again |
| Using + instead of > | Symbol confusion | Use > for bigger fraction |
Quick check
- 1/2 ___ 1/4 (fill >, <, =)
- Which is smallest: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4?
- Draw to show 3/4 > 1/2.
- Stretch: Order from smallest: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4.
Revision tip: Same whole, same shape — shade first, then compare.
Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Compare Fractions.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- What you'll learn
- Key concepts
- Worked example
- Common mistakes
Master this topic with Drishti OS
Get unlimited mock tests, AI-powered mentorship, and complete video courses when you join.
Start Free Practice