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🍕 3rd grade math · Fractions & Decimals

Compare simple fractions

Same bottom: the bigger top is more. Same top: the bigger bottom means smaller pieces.

Worked example

Which sign goes in the middle?
Answer: 18 < 78
Same-size pieces (eighths), so the one with more pieces wins: 1 is less than 7. So 18 < 78.
18
78

For grown-ups: Compare fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator. Below: three problems to try with the worked answers, and a free printable sheet. Children can practise the same skill as a game, with no sign-up and no ads.

  • CCSS 3.NF.A.3d
What this practises, for teachers

Practices compare fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator (3.NF.A.3d). A printable sheet with its answer key, worked answers on the page, no accounts.

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For your class

🖨️ Printable sheet and key

On the board with this skill:

More printables, with answer keys, for this grade:

Try three

  1. Which sign goes in the middle?
    Show the answer and how
    Answer: 310 < 34
    Both have 3 pieces. But fourths are bigger than tenths — fewer cuts make bigger pieces. So 310 < 34.
    310
    34
  2. Which sign goes in the middle?
    Show the answer and how
    Answer: 510 < 710
    Same-size pieces (tenths), so the one with more pieces wins: 5 is less than 7. So 510 < 710.
    510
    710
  3. Which sign goes in the middle?
    Show the answer and how
    Answer: 58 > 512
    Both have 5 pieces. But eighths are bigger than twelfths — fewer cuts make bigger pieces. So 58 > 512.
    58
    512

Before and after

Learn first: Same amount, new name (3rd)

Comes next: Line plots with halves (3rd), Make equivalent fractions (4th)

Name: ____________________Date: ____________Score: ____ / 12

Compare simple fractions (3rd grade)

  1. Which sign goes in the middle?
  2. Which sign goes in the middle?
  3. Which sign goes in the middle?
  4. Which sign goes in the middle?
  5. Which sign goes in the middle?
  6. Which sign goes in the middle?
  7. Which sign goes in the middle?
  8. Which sign goes in the middle?
  9. Which sign goes in the middle?
  10. Which sign goes in the middle?
  11. Which sign goes in the middle?
  12. Which sign goes in the middle?

Answer key

  1. 610 > 510
  2. 56 > 512
  3. 510 > 512
  4. 710 < 810
  5. 410 < 48
  6. 35 > 15
  7. 1112 > 612
  8. 12 > 16
  9. 210 < 28
  10. 412 > 112
  11. 210 < 25
  12. 412 < 410

More 3rd grade skills: all 3rd grade math skills, or every grade at math skills.