LESSON 8 Compare Fractions to Benchmarks

We can use number lines to compare fractions. Fractions that are closer to 0 are smaller.

Look at the Halves and Thirds number lines in the Fractions on Number Lines Chart in the Student Guide Reference section. They show that is less than since is closer to 0.

We can show this with the symbols < for less than and > for greater than:

1. For each pair of fractions, decide which fraction is larger. Use the Fractions on Number Lines Chart. Use the symbols < or > to show your answer.
1. ,
2. ,
3. ,
4. ,
5. ,
6. ,

Compare Fractions to

1. Look at the number lines on the Fractions on Number Lines Chart. Name several fractions that are less than , several that are equal to , and several that are greater than . Describe a pattern that tells whether a fraction is less than, equal to, or greater than .
2. Compare each of the following fractions to . Use the symbols <, >, or = in your answers. Example: <