First, students will learn how to compare fractions with unlike denominators, using concrete and visual methods.
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Visually compare fractions with unlike denominators by Khan Academy
Next, students will learn several strategies for comparing fractions, without using manipulatives or pictures. In the case of \(6/8\) and \(7/8,\) we know \(6/8\) is smaller because \(6 \lt 7.\) In the case of \(5/4\) and \(7/9\), we know that \(5/4\) is larger because \(5/4\) is greater than 1, while \(7/9\) is less than 1. In the case of \(1/9\) and \(14/15\) we know \(1/9\) is smaller because \(1/9\) is close to 0 and \(14/15\) is close to 1. For problems not so easy, such as comparing \(2/3\) and \(9/12\), we know \(9/12\) is larger because \(2/3\) is equal to \(8/12,\) which is smaller than \(9/12\).