Comparing fractions means deciding which fraction represents a larger or smaller part of a whole. When fractions have the same numerators, we compare the denominators to find the answer.
The numerator (top number) tells how many parts you have. The denominator (bottom number) tells how many equal parts make one whole.
When two fractions have the same numerator, look at the denominators. The fraction with the smaller denominator is the larger fraction.
Think of a pizza cut into 6 slices versus one cut into 8 slices. The slices from the pizza cut into 6 pieces are larger. Five of the larger slices is more pizza than five of the smaller slices.
A visual model can show why a smaller denominator means a larger fraction when numerators are the same.
If you share something among fewer people, each person gets more. That's the idea behind this rule.
We use the symbols > (greater than), < (less than), and = (equal to) to show the comparison between two fractions.
Remember, the "greater than" symbol (>) always opens toward the larger fraction. The "less than" symbol (<) points toward the smaller fraction.
Use the rule to solve comparison problems and check your reasoning with a simple drawing if needed.
Always ask yourself: "Are the numerators the same?" If yes, then the smaller denominator means the bigger fraction.