Two paper strips are different lengths. Strip A is \(6\,\text{in.}\) long, and \(\frac{2}{3}\) of it is shaded. Strip B is \(12\,\text{in.}\) long, and \(\frac{2}{6}\) of it is shaded.
a) Compare the fraction numbers \(\frac{2}{3}\) and \(\frac{2}{6}\) using \(<\), \(>\), or \(=\).
b) How many inches are shaded on each strip?
c) Explain why the greater fraction does not give a longer shaded length in this situation.
Hints
- First compare the two fraction numbers using the fact that they have the same numerator.
- For each strip, use its own total length to determine the size of one equal fraction part.
- After finding the two shaded lengths, compare them with your fraction-number comparison.
- In the explanation, pay attention to whether the two fractions refer to the same-size whole.
Solution
1. a) The fractions have the same numerator. Thirds are larger fraction parts than sixths, so \(\frac{2}{3} > \frac{2}{6}\).
2. b) Strip A is divided into thirds, so each third is \(6 \div 3 = 2\,\text{in.}\). Two thirds is \(2 \times 2 = 4\,\text{in.}\).
3. Strip B is divided into sixths, so each sixth is \(12 \div 6 = 2\,\text{in.}\). Two sixths is \(2 \times 2 = 4\,\text{in.}\).
4. c) The fraction numbers compare parts of a same-size whole, but these strips are different lengths. Here the shaded physical lengths are equal even though \(\frac{2}{3} > \frac{2}{6}\).
Answer
a) \(\frac{2}{3} > \frac{2}{6}\)
b) Strip A: \(4\,\text{in.}\); Strip B: \(4\,\text{in.}\)
c) The wholes are different lengths. The same-numerator fraction comparison tells which fraction number is greater, but it does not by itself compare physical shaded lengths from different-size wholes.