Math Drill Pages

Comparing Fractions with the Same Numerator

Twenty-four pairs of fractions with the same top number and different bottom numbers. Students write <, > or =. The key idea: when you have the same number of pieces, bigger pieces make a bigger fraction, and a bigger denominator means smaller pieces.

Grade
Grade 3
Problems
24
Time
About 10 minutes
Standard
3.NF.A.3d
Download PDF (US Letter) Download PDF (A4)

Two pages: the worksheet, then the answer key. No sign-up needed.

Worksheet preview

Compare Write <, > or = in each box.

  1. 14>18
  2. 34>38
  3. 13>16
  4. 13>18
  5. 16>18
  6. 12>16
  7. 48<46
  8. 23>24
  9. 18<13
  10. 12=12
  11. 26<23
  12. 34>36
  13. 28<24
  14. 23>28
  15. 46>48
  16. 12>14
  17. 14>16
  18. 13<12
  19. 24>28
  20. 28=28
  21. 16<14
  22. 38<34
  23. 58<56
  24. 36<34

Tips for teachers and parents

  • Start with unit fractions: would you rather have 1/2 or 1/8 of a pizza? Most students already know the half is bigger.
  • Ask: the same number of pieces, but which pieces are bigger? Pieces get smaller as the denominator gets bigger.
  • Draw two equal bars, one in thirds and one in eighths, and shade two parts of each. The picture makes 2/3 > 2/8 obvious.
  • Mix this sheet with the like-denominators sheet so students decide which rule applies before comparing.

Common mistakes

  • Deciding that 2/8 is bigger than 2/3 because 8 is bigger than 3. This is the most common fraction error in grade 3.
  • Using the like-denominator rule here and comparing the top numbers, which are the same.

What to practice next

Equivalent fractions show why some pairs with different numbers, like 1/2 and 2/4, are equal.

Frequently asked questions

Why is 1/3 bigger than 1/8?

Both are one piece, but thirds are bigger pieces than eighths because the whole is split into fewer parts.

What denominators are used?

2, 3, 4, 6 and 8, the grade 3 denominators. Two problems compare a fraction with itself, so the answer is =.

Is there an answer key?

Yes, page 2 has all 24 answers.