Comparison Of Mixed Fractions Quiz for students
Learn to compare mixed fractions
Mixed fractions, also known as mixed numbers, are a combination of a whole number and a fraction. For example, the mixed fraction “3 1/4” represents the number 3 and 1/4. It’s written as a whole number, a space, a numerator, and a denominator. The whole number is the number to the left of the space, and the numerator and denominator represent the fraction to the right of the space.
In order to compare mixed fractions, we first have to convert them to improper fractions. An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is larger than the denominator, like 7/4. To convert a mixed fraction to an improper fraction, we use the following steps:
- Multiply the whole number part of the mixed fraction by the denominator of the fraction part. For example, in the mixed fraction “3 1/4”, we would multiply 3 by 4, which equals 12.
- Add the product from step 1 to the numerator of the fraction part. In the example above, we would add 12 to 1, which equals 13.
- Write the sum from step 2 over the denominator of the fraction part. In the example above, the improper fraction is 13/4.
Once the mixed fractions have been converted to improper fractions we can use the same method as comparing regular fractions, which is to compare the numerator and denominator.
Here is an example: Suppose we have two mixed fractions: “4 2/5” and “5 3/4”
- Converting them to improper fractions: 4 2/5 = 45 + 2 = 22/5 and 5 3/4 = 54 + 3 = 23/4
- Compare the numerators and denominator: 22/5 is greater than 23/4
It’s important to note that the above method only works if the denominators are the same, which is why we have to convert the mixed fractions to improper fractions first. If the denominators are different, you can use the above method and find a common denominator before comparing.
Another way to compare mixed fractions is to convert them to decimals. We do this by dividing the numerator by the denominator and adding the whole number part. For example, the mixed fraction “3 1/4” would convert to a decimal of 3.25. Once the mixed fractions are in decimal form, it’s easy to compare them just like we do with any decimal number.
It’s also important to note that not all the decimal representation of mixed fractions are exact. And should be rounded as appropriate.
Practicing with a few examples and also by showing them on a number line will help kids better understand and make comparisons between mixed fractions easier.