Third Grade · Math · week 23

Comparing fractions: same denominator

Compare two fractions with the same denominator using < , > , =.

When two fractions have the SAME denominator, the parts are the same size — so you just compare how MANY parts. 3/8 and 5/8 have equal-size eighths, and 5 parts is more than 3, so 5/8 > 3/8.

The symbols point to the smaller number: the wide-open end faces the bigger fraction. 5/8 > 3/8 reads "five-eighths is greater than three-eighths."

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Line up two same-denominator bars and count shaded parts.
  • Teach the "alligator eats the bigger one" or "open end to the bigger" for the symbols.
  • Only compare same-size parts this week — that is the whole point.
  • Have them read the finished comparison as a sentence.
Talk about it:
  • When denominators match, what do you compare?
  • Which way does the > symbol open?
  • Why does more parts mean a bigger fraction here?

Mastery looks like: They compare same-denominator fractions and write the correct symbol.

Common stumbles: Comparing numerators when denominators differ (next week); writing the symbol backward.

See it visually

Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.

FractionsSlice bars and circles into equal parts and compare them.try →
Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Math for this learner.
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