← Compare fractions sharing numerator or denominator · Compare Fractions and Decimals by Structure

Compare fractions sharing numerator or denominator · 8 practice problems

3.NF.A.3

Generated variants — 8

Freshly produced from the archetype’s parameters — problem, figure, and solution derived together.

Variant 1 medium answer: 2 numbers

Among the numbers from 1 to 9, how many numbers can go in the \bigstar?

13<1\dfrac{1}{3} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar}

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

I need to count how many of the digits 1 through 9 can be placed in the \bigstar so that the fraction 13\frac{1}{3} is less than 1\frac{1}{\bigstar}.

Givens
  • The inequality is 13<1\frac{1}{3} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}.
  • The \bigstar must be a whole number from 1 to 9.
Unknowns
  • How many values of the \bigstar make the inequality true.
Constraints
  • Both fractions are unit fractions (numerator 1).
  • For unit fractions, a smaller denominator means a larger fraction.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#5 Look for a Pattern · also uses: #2 Make a Systematic List

Both fractions have numerator 1, so the comparison depends only on the denominators: the unit fraction with the smaller denominator is larger. That pattern instantly tells me 1>13\frac{1}{\bigstar} > \frac{1}{3} exactly when <3\bigstar < 3, and I can list those digits to count them.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Use the unit-fraction size rule

#5 Look for a Pattern 3.NF.A.3
Both fractions split one whole into equal parts. The more parts you cut a whole into, the smaller each part. So with numerator 1, the fraction is larger when the denominator is smaller.
13<1    <3\dfrac{1}{3} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar} \iff \bigstar < 3
Sharing a pizza among fewer people gives each person a bigger slice, so smaller denominator = bigger unit fraction.

2List the digits 1 to 9 that are less than 3

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
We need <3\bigstar < 3, with \bigstar chosen from 1 through 9. The digits less than 3 are 1, 2.
{1,2}\bigstar \in \{1, 2\}
Only denominators smaller than 3 make a slice bigger than 13\frac{1}{3}; 3 itself ties and larger ones give smaller slices.

3Count the valid values

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
Count the digits in the list 1, 2.
2 numbers2 \text{ numbers}
There are exactly 2 whole numbers from 1 to 2, so 2 choices work.
Answer: 2 numbers
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

Spot-check the boundaries: 12>13\frac{1}{2} > \frac{1}{3} (true, 2 counts) and 13<13\frac{1}{3} < \frac{1}{3} is false (3 excluded). Only 1-2 qualify, giving 2 - consistent with the answer.

Another way: Guess and check (tool 6): test each \bigstar from 1 to 9 in 13<1\frac{1}{3} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}; it holds for 1, 2 and fails for the rest, again giving 2 values.

Standardsmin grade 3
  • 3.NF.A.3 Explain equivalence of fractions and compare fractions by reasoning — Comparing unit fractions by their denominators to determine which $\bigstar$ values satisfy $\frac{1}{3} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}$.
💡Takeaway. For 1-over-something fractions, fewer parts means bigger pieces - so just count the denominators smaller than 3!
Variant 2 medium answer: 8 numbers

Among the numbers from 1 to 9, how many numbers can go in the \bigstar?

19<1\dfrac{1}{9} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar}

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

I need to count how many of the digits 1 through 9 can be placed in the \bigstar so that the fraction 19\frac{1}{9} is less than 1\frac{1}{\bigstar}.

Givens
  • The inequality is 19<1\frac{1}{9} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}.
  • The \bigstar must be a whole number from 1 to 9.
Unknowns
  • How many values of the \bigstar make the inequality true.
Constraints
  • Both fractions are unit fractions (numerator 1).
  • For unit fractions, a smaller denominator means a larger fraction.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#5 Look for a Pattern · also uses: #2 Make a Systematic List

Both fractions have numerator 1, so the comparison depends only on the denominators: the unit fraction with the smaller denominator is larger. That pattern instantly tells me 1>19\frac{1}{\bigstar} > \frac{1}{9} exactly when <9\bigstar < 9, and I can list those digits to count them.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Use the unit-fraction size rule

#5 Look for a Pattern 3.NF.A.3
Both fractions split one whole into equal parts. The more parts you cut a whole into, the smaller each part. So with numerator 1, the fraction is larger when the denominator is smaller.
19<1    <9\dfrac{1}{9} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar} \iff \bigstar < 9
Sharing a pizza among fewer people gives each person a bigger slice, so smaller denominator = bigger unit fraction.

2List the digits 1 to 9 that are less than 9

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
We need <9\bigstar < 9, with \bigstar chosen from 1 through 9. The digits less than 9 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}\bigstar \in \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8\}
Only denominators smaller than 9 make a slice bigger than 19\frac{1}{9}; 9 itself ties and larger ones give smaller slices.

3Count the valid values

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
Count the digits in the list 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
8 numbers8 \text{ numbers}
There are exactly 8 whole numbers from 1 to 8, so 8 choices work.
Answer: 8 numbers
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

Spot-check the boundaries: 18>19\frac{1}{8} > \frac{1}{9} (true, 8 counts) and 19<19\frac{1}{9} < \frac{1}{9} is false (9 excluded). Only 1-8 qualify, giving 8 - consistent with the answer.

Another way: Guess and check (tool 6): test each \bigstar from 1 to 9 in 19<1\frac{1}{9} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}; it holds for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and fails for the rest, again giving 8 values.

Standardsmin grade 3
  • 3.NF.A.3 Explain equivalence of fractions and compare fractions by reasoning — Comparing unit fractions by their denominators to determine which $\bigstar$ values satisfy $\frac{1}{9} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}$.
💡Takeaway. For 1-over-something fractions, fewer parts means bigger pieces - so just count the denominators smaller than 9!
Variant 3 medium answer: 5 numbers

Among the numbers from 1 to 9, how many numbers can go in the \bigstar?

16<1\dfrac{1}{6} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar}

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

I need to count how many of the digits 1 through 9 can be placed in the \bigstar so that the fraction 16\frac{1}{6} is less than 1\frac{1}{\bigstar}.

Givens
  • The inequality is 16<1\frac{1}{6} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}.
  • The \bigstar must be a whole number from 1 to 9.
Unknowns
  • How many values of the \bigstar make the inequality true.
Constraints
  • Both fractions are unit fractions (numerator 1).
  • For unit fractions, a smaller denominator means a larger fraction.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#5 Look for a Pattern · also uses: #2 Make a Systematic List

Both fractions have numerator 1, so the comparison depends only on the denominators: the unit fraction with the smaller denominator is larger. That pattern instantly tells me 1>16\frac{1}{\bigstar} > \frac{1}{6} exactly when <6\bigstar < 6, and I can list those digits to count them.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Use the unit-fraction size rule

#5 Look for a Pattern 3.NF.A.3
Both fractions split one whole into equal parts. The more parts you cut a whole into, the smaller each part. So with numerator 1, the fraction is larger when the denominator is smaller.
16<1    <6\dfrac{1}{6} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar} \iff \bigstar < 6
Sharing a pizza among fewer people gives each person a bigger slice, so smaller denominator = bigger unit fraction.

2List the digits 1 to 9 that are less than 6

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
We need <6\bigstar < 6, with \bigstar chosen from 1 through 9. The digits less than 6 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
{1,2,3,4,5}\bigstar \in \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5\}
Only denominators smaller than 6 make a slice bigger than 16\frac{1}{6}; 6 itself ties and larger ones give smaller slices.

3Count the valid values

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
Count the digits in the list 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
5 numbers5 \text{ numbers}
There are exactly 5 whole numbers from 1 to 5, so 5 choices work.
Answer: 5 numbers
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

Spot-check the boundaries: 15>16\frac{1}{5} > \frac{1}{6} (true, 5 counts) and 16<16\frac{1}{6} < \frac{1}{6} is false (6 excluded). Only 1-5 qualify, giving 5 - consistent with the answer.

Another way: Guess and check (tool 6): test each \bigstar from 1 to 9 in 16<1\frac{1}{6} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}; it holds for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and fails for the rest, again giving 5 values.

Standardsmin grade 3
  • 3.NF.A.3 Explain equivalence of fractions and compare fractions by reasoning — Comparing unit fractions by their denominators to determine which $\bigstar$ values satisfy $\frac{1}{6} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}$.
💡Takeaway. For 1-over-something fractions, fewer parts means bigger pieces - so just count the denominators smaller than 6!
Variant 4 medium answer: 7 numbers

Among the numbers from 1 to 9, how many numbers can go in the \bigstar?

18<1\dfrac{1}{8} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar}

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

I need to count how many of the digits 1 through 9 can be placed in the \bigstar so that the fraction 18\frac{1}{8} is less than 1\frac{1}{\bigstar}.

Givens
  • The inequality is 18<1\frac{1}{8} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}.
  • The \bigstar must be a whole number from 1 to 9.
Unknowns
  • How many values of the \bigstar make the inequality true.
Constraints
  • Both fractions are unit fractions (numerator 1).
  • For unit fractions, a smaller denominator means a larger fraction.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#5 Look for a Pattern · also uses: #2 Make a Systematic List

Both fractions have numerator 1, so the comparison depends only on the denominators: the unit fraction with the smaller denominator is larger. That pattern instantly tells me 1>18\frac{1}{\bigstar} > \frac{1}{8} exactly when <8\bigstar < 8, and I can list those digits to count them.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Use the unit-fraction size rule

#5 Look for a Pattern 3.NF.A.3
Both fractions split one whole into equal parts. The more parts you cut a whole into, the smaller each part. So with numerator 1, the fraction is larger when the denominator is smaller.
18<1    <8\dfrac{1}{8} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar} \iff \bigstar < 8
Sharing a pizza among fewer people gives each person a bigger slice, so smaller denominator = bigger unit fraction.

2List the digits 1 to 9 that are less than 8

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
We need <8\bigstar < 8, with \bigstar chosen from 1 through 9. The digits less than 8 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}\bigstar \in \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7\}
Only denominators smaller than 8 make a slice bigger than 18\frac{1}{8}; 8 itself ties and larger ones give smaller slices.

3Count the valid values

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
Count the digits in the list 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
7 numbers7 \text{ numbers}
There are exactly 7 whole numbers from 1 to 7, so 7 choices work.
Answer: 7 numbers
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

Spot-check the boundaries: 17>18\frac{1}{7} > \frac{1}{8} (true, 7 counts) and 18<18\frac{1}{8} < \frac{1}{8} is false (8 excluded). Only 1-7 qualify, giving 7 - consistent with the answer.

Another way: Guess and check (tool 6): test each \bigstar from 1 to 9 in 18<1\frac{1}{8} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}; it holds for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and fails for the rest, again giving 7 values.

Standardsmin grade 3
  • 3.NF.A.3 Explain equivalence of fractions and compare fractions by reasoning — Comparing unit fractions by their denominators to determine which $\bigstar$ values satisfy $\frac{1}{8} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}$.
💡Takeaway. For 1-over-something fractions, fewer parts means bigger pieces - so just count the denominators smaller than 8!
Variant 5 medium answer: 1 numbers

Among the numbers from 1 to 9, how many numbers can go in the \bigstar?

12<1\dfrac{1}{2} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar}

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

I need to count how many of the digits 1 through 9 can be placed in the \bigstar so that the fraction 12\frac{1}{2} is less than 1\frac{1}{\bigstar}.

Givens
  • The inequality is 12<1\frac{1}{2} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}.
  • The \bigstar must be a whole number from 1 to 9.
Unknowns
  • How many values of the \bigstar make the inequality true.
Constraints
  • Both fractions are unit fractions (numerator 1).
  • For unit fractions, a smaller denominator means a larger fraction.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#5 Look for a Pattern · also uses: #2 Make a Systematic List

Both fractions have numerator 1, so the comparison depends only on the denominators: the unit fraction with the smaller denominator is larger. That pattern instantly tells me 1>12\frac{1}{\bigstar} > \frac{1}{2} exactly when <2\bigstar < 2, and I can list those digits to count them.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Use the unit-fraction size rule

#5 Look for a Pattern 3.NF.A.3
Both fractions split one whole into equal parts. The more parts you cut a whole into, the smaller each part. So with numerator 1, the fraction is larger when the denominator is smaller.
12<1    <2\dfrac{1}{2} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar} \iff \bigstar < 2
Sharing a pizza among fewer people gives each person a bigger slice, so smaller denominator = bigger unit fraction.

2List the digits 1 to 9 that are less than 2

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
We need <2\bigstar < 2, with \bigstar chosen from 1 through 9. The digits less than 2 are 1.
{1}\bigstar \in \{1\}
Only denominators smaller than 2 make a slice bigger than 12\frac{1}{2}; 2 itself ties and larger ones give smaller slices.

3Count the valid values

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
Count the digits in the list 1.
1 numbers1 \text{ numbers}
There are exactly 1 whole numbers from 1 to 1, so 1 choices work.
Answer: 1 numbers
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

Spot-check the boundaries: 11>12\frac{1}{1} > \frac{1}{2} (true, 1 counts) and 12<12\frac{1}{2} < \frac{1}{2} is false (2 excluded). Only 1-1 qualify, giving 1 - consistent with the answer.

Another way: Guess and check (tool 6): test each \bigstar from 1 to 9 in 12<1\frac{1}{2} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}; it holds for 1 and fails for the rest, again giving 1 values.

Standardsmin grade 3
  • 3.NF.A.3 Explain equivalence of fractions and compare fractions by reasoning — Comparing unit fractions by their denominators to determine which $\bigstar$ values satisfy $\frac{1}{2} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}$.
💡Takeaway. For 1-over-something fractions, fewer parts means bigger pieces - so just count the denominators smaller than 2!
Variant 6 medium answer: 3 numbers

Among the numbers from 1 to 9, how many numbers can go in the \bigstar?

14<1\dfrac{1}{4} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar}

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

I need to count how many of the digits 1 through 9 can be placed in the \bigstar so that the fraction 14\frac{1}{4} is less than 1\frac{1}{\bigstar}.

Givens
  • The inequality is 14<1\frac{1}{4} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}.
  • The \bigstar must be a whole number from 1 to 9.
Unknowns
  • How many values of the \bigstar make the inequality true.
Constraints
  • Both fractions are unit fractions (numerator 1).
  • For unit fractions, a smaller denominator means a larger fraction.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#5 Look for a Pattern · also uses: #2 Make a Systematic List

Both fractions have numerator 1, so the comparison depends only on the denominators: the unit fraction with the smaller denominator is larger. That pattern instantly tells me 1>14\frac{1}{\bigstar} > \frac{1}{4} exactly when <4\bigstar < 4, and I can list those digits to count them.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Use the unit-fraction size rule

#5 Look for a Pattern 3.NF.A.3
Both fractions split one whole into equal parts. The more parts you cut a whole into, the smaller each part. So with numerator 1, the fraction is larger when the denominator is smaller.
14<1    <4\dfrac{1}{4} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar} \iff \bigstar < 4
Sharing a pizza among fewer people gives each person a bigger slice, so smaller denominator = bigger unit fraction.

2List the digits 1 to 9 that are less than 4

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
We need <4\bigstar < 4, with \bigstar chosen from 1 through 9. The digits less than 4 are 1, 2, 3.
{1,2,3}\bigstar \in \{1, 2, 3\}
Only denominators smaller than 4 make a slice bigger than 14\frac{1}{4}; 4 itself ties and larger ones give smaller slices.

3Count the valid values

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
Count the digits in the list 1, 2, 3.
3 numbers3 \text{ numbers}
There are exactly 3 whole numbers from 1 to 3, so 3 choices work.
Answer: 3 numbers
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

Spot-check the boundaries: 13>14\frac{1}{3} > \frac{1}{4} (true, 3 counts) and 14<14\frac{1}{4} < \frac{1}{4} is false (4 excluded). Only 1-3 qualify, giving 3 - consistent with the answer.

Another way: Guess and check (tool 6): test each \bigstar from 1 to 9 in 14<1\frac{1}{4} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}; it holds for 1, 2, 3 and fails for the rest, again giving 3 values.

Standardsmin grade 3
  • 3.NF.A.3 Explain equivalence of fractions and compare fractions by reasoning — Comparing unit fractions by their denominators to determine which $\bigstar$ values satisfy $\frac{1}{4} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}$.
💡Takeaway. For 1-over-something fractions, fewer parts means bigger pieces - so just count the denominators smaller than 4!
Variant 7 medium answer: 6 numbers

Among the numbers from 1 to 9, how many numbers can go in the \bigstar?

17<1\dfrac{1}{7} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar}

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

I need to count how many of the digits 1 through 9 can be placed in the \bigstar so that the fraction 17\frac{1}{7} is less than 1\frac{1}{\bigstar}.

Givens
  • The inequality is 17<1\frac{1}{7} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}.
  • The \bigstar must be a whole number from 1 to 9.
Unknowns
  • How many values of the \bigstar make the inequality true.
Constraints
  • Both fractions are unit fractions (numerator 1).
  • For unit fractions, a smaller denominator means a larger fraction.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#5 Look for a Pattern · also uses: #2 Make a Systematic List

Both fractions have numerator 1, so the comparison depends only on the denominators: the unit fraction with the smaller denominator is larger. That pattern instantly tells me 1>17\frac{1}{\bigstar} > \frac{1}{7} exactly when <7\bigstar < 7, and I can list those digits to count them.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Use the unit-fraction size rule

#5 Look for a Pattern 3.NF.A.3
Both fractions split one whole into equal parts. The more parts you cut a whole into, the smaller each part. So with numerator 1, the fraction is larger when the denominator is smaller.
17<1    <7\dfrac{1}{7} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar} \iff \bigstar < 7
Sharing a pizza among fewer people gives each person a bigger slice, so smaller denominator = bigger unit fraction.

2List the digits 1 to 9 that are less than 7

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
We need <7\bigstar < 7, with \bigstar chosen from 1 through 9. The digits less than 7 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
{1,2,3,4,5,6}\bigstar \in \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6\}
Only denominators smaller than 7 make a slice bigger than 17\frac{1}{7}; 7 itself ties and larger ones give smaller slices.

3Count the valid values

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
Count the digits in the list 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
6 numbers6 \text{ numbers}
There are exactly 6 whole numbers from 1 to 6, so 6 choices work.
Answer: 6 numbers
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

Spot-check the boundaries: 16>17\frac{1}{6} > \frac{1}{7} (true, 6 counts) and 17<17\frac{1}{7} < \frac{1}{7} is false (7 excluded). Only 1-6 qualify, giving 6 - consistent with the answer.

Another way: Guess and check (tool 6): test each \bigstar from 1 to 9 in 17<1\frac{1}{7} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}; it holds for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and fails for the rest, again giving 6 values.

Standardsmin grade 3
  • 3.NF.A.3 Explain equivalence of fractions and compare fractions by reasoning — Comparing unit fractions by their denominators to determine which $\bigstar$ values satisfy $\frac{1}{7} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}$.
💡Takeaway. For 1-over-something fractions, fewer parts means bigger pieces - so just count the denominators smaller than 7!
Variant 8 medium answer: 4 numbers

Among the numbers from 1 to 9, how many numbers can go in the \bigstar?

15<1\dfrac{1}{5} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar}

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

I need to count how many of the digits 1 through 9 can be placed in the \bigstar so that the fraction 15\frac{1}{5} is less than 1\frac{1}{\bigstar}.

Givens
  • The inequality is 15<1\frac{1}{5} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}.
  • The \bigstar must be a whole number from 1 to 9.
Unknowns
  • How many values of the \bigstar make the inequality true.
Constraints
  • Both fractions are unit fractions (numerator 1).
  • For unit fractions, a smaller denominator means a larger fraction.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#5 Look for a Pattern · also uses: #2 Make a Systematic List

Both fractions have numerator 1, so the comparison depends only on the denominators: the unit fraction with the smaller denominator is larger. That pattern instantly tells me 1>15\frac{1}{\bigstar} > \frac{1}{5} exactly when <5\bigstar < 5, and I can list those digits to count them.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Use the unit-fraction size rule

#5 Look for a Pattern 3.NF.A.3
Both fractions split one whole into equal parts. The more parts you cut a whole into, the smaller each part. So with numerator 1, the fraction is larger when the denominator is smaller.
15<1    <5\dfrac{1}{5} < \dfrac{1}{\bigstar} \iff \bigstar < 5
Sharing a pizza among fewer people gives each person a bigger slice, so smaller denominator = bigger unit fraction.

2List the digits 1 to 9 that are less than 5

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
We need <5\bigstar < 5, with \bigstar chosen from 1 through 9. The digits less than 5 are 1, 2, 3, 4.
{1,2,3,4}\bigstar \in \{1, 2, 3, 4\}
Only denominators smaller than 5 make a slice bigger than 15\frac{1}{5}; 5 itself ties and larger ones give smaller slices.

3Count the valid values

#2 Make a Systematic List 3.NF.A.3
Count the digits in the list 1, 2, 3, 4.
4 numbers4 \text{ numbers}
There are exactly 4 whole numbers from 1 to 4, so 4 choices work.
Answer: 4 numbers
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

Spot-check the boundaries: 14>15\frac{1}{4} > \frac{1}{5} (true, 4 counts) and 15<15\frac{1}{5} < \frac{1}{5} is false (5 excluded). Only 1-4 qualify, giving 4 - consistent with the answer.

Another way: Guess and check (tool 6): test each \bigstar from 1 to 9 in 15<1\frac{1}{5} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}; it holds for 1, 2, 3, 4 and fails for the rest, again giving 4 values.

Standardsmin grade 3
  • 3.NF.A.3 Explain equivalence of fractions and compare fractions by reasoning — Comparing unit fractions by their denominators to determine which $\bigstar$ values satisfy $\frac{1}{5} < \frac{1}{\bigstar}$.
💡Takeaway. For 1-over-something fractions, fewer parts means bigger pieces - so just count the denominators smaller than 5!