Compare Fractions and Decimals by Structure
Sizes are compared by structure: same denominator favors the larger numerator, same numerator favors the smaller denominator, decimals compare highest place first, and the number line locates values between. Learners order fractions, mixed and improper forms, and decimals, often to fill an inequality blank. It builds magnitude sense across number systems.
grade 3–4 Base-ten numbersFractions Draw a DiagramEliminate Possibilities
Progression (7)
g4 1. Compare decimals from the highest place down Fractions
g3 2. Compare fractions sharing numerator or denominator Fractions
g3 3. Find fractions between two on the number line Fractions
g3 4. Match fraction forms to compare sizes Fractions
g3 5. Same numerator: smaller denominator is larger Fractions
g4 6. Compare the next digit to fill a blank in decimals Fractions
g5 7. Find the extreme decimal satisfying an inequality Base-ten numbersFractions
Bridges to competition (2)
Reasoning problems that extend this idea toward competition:
Comparing sizes of fractions Number arrangement
Compare and order fractions Other