Unit 2 Contents

Use Benchmarks

When you want to compare fractions, it often helps to first compare them to the benchmarks 0, , and 1.

Example: Which is smaller, or ?

Answer: Since is close to 0 and is equal to , is smaller than . We can write < .

5. Use benchmarks to decide which fraction is larger. Use the symbols < or > in your answers.
1. ,
2. ,
3. ,
4. ,
5. ,
6. ,
7. ,
8. ,

Patterns in Numerators and Denominators

When fractions have the same numerators or the same denominators, it is sometimes easier to compare them. In Questions 6 and 7, you will look for patterns.

6. Put each of the following sets of fractions in order from smallest to largest. Use the symbol for “less than” (<) in your answer. Follow the example:
   
   Example: , , ,             Answer: < < <
1. , , ,
2. , , ,
3. If two or more fractions have the same denominator, how can you tell which of the fractions is larger?

7. Put each of the following sets of fractions in order from smallest to largest.
1. , ,
2. , ,
3. , ,
4. When you compare fractions that have a numerator of 1, how can you tell which is larger?