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Compare fractions same numerator

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5356743
The picture shows one shaded slice from each of two same-size pizzas. Which shaded slice represents the greater fraction of a pizza? Write the comparison using fractions.
Figure for problem 535674

Hints

- Count the equal slices in each pizza. - Each pizza has exactly one shaded slice. - Compare how the size of one slice changes when a same-size whole is divided into more equal pieces.

Solution

1. Pizza A is divided into \(4\) equal slices, so its shaded slice is \(\frac{1}{4}\). 2. Pizza B is divided into \(6\) equal slices, so its shaded slice is \(\frac{1}{6}\). 3. Because the pizzas are the same size, dividing one into fewer equal parts makes each part larger. 4. Therefore, \(\frac{1}{4}>\frac{1}{6}\).

Answer

Pizza A's shaded slice is greater: \(\frac{1}{4}>\frac{1}{6}\).
5356753
Look at the two figures. Which bar shows the greater fraction? Write the fraction.
Figure for problem 535675

Hints

- Which bar has the longer shaded section? - For unit fractions, a larger denominator means each equal part is smaller.

Solution

1. Figure A shows \(\frac{1}{2}\), and Figure B shows \(\frac{1}{6}\). 2. The shaded part in Figure A is one-half of the whole, while the shaded part in Figure B is only one-sixth. 3. Therefore, \(\frac{1}{2} > \frac{1}{6}\).

Answer

Figure A shows the greater fraction, \(\frac{1}{2}\).
5356833
Use the two same-size circles. Which shaded fraction is smaller? Write the comparison.
Figure for problem 535683

Hints

- Count the equal slices in each circle. - Each circle has one shaded slice, so compare the size of that one slice. - More equal parts in the same-size whole make each part smaller.

Solution

1. Circle A has \(1\) of \(4\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{1}{4}\). 2. Circle B has \(1\) of \(8\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{1}{8}\). 3. For unit fractions of the same-size whole, more equal parts make each part smaller. 4. Therefore, \(\frac{1}{8}<\frac{1}{4}\).

Answer

Circle B shows the smaller fraction: \(\frac{1}{8}<\frac{1}{4}\).
5170213
Two same-size pizzas are prepared for a children's party. Pizza A is cut into 6 equal slices. Pizza B is cut into 3 equal slices. Which pizza has the larger slice? Explain why, and write the fraction represented by one slice of each pizza.

Hints

- Imagine sharing the same-size candy bar with many friends or with only a few friends. In which case is each share larger? - What does the denominator tell you about the number of equal parts? - What happens to the size of each part when the whole is divided into fewer parts?

Solution

1. One slice of Pizza A is \(\frac{1}{6}\) of the pizza, and one slice of Pizza B is \(\frac{1}{3}\) of the pizza. 2. The pizzas are the same size, but Pizza B is divided into fewer equal parts. 3. Fewer equal parts make each part larger, so \(\frac{1}{3} > \frac{1}{6}\).

Answer

One slice of Pizza B is larger. A slice of Pizza A is \(\frac{1}{6}\), and a slice of Pizza B is \(\frac{1}{3}\). Because the same-size whole is divided into fewer equal parts, each part is larger.
5170223
Order the fractions from least to greatest. Use the less-than symbol \(<\). \(\frac{1}{4}\), \(\frac{1}{2}\), \(\frac{1}{8}\), \(\frac{1}{3}\), \(\frac{1}{6}\)

Hints

- All five fractions name one equal part, so focus on the denominators. - Think about how the size of one part changes when the same whole is split into more equal parts. - Decide which denominator gives the smallest unit fraction first, then continue in order.

Solution

1. Every fraction has numerator \(1\), so each is one equal part of a whole. 2. For unit fractions, dividing the same-size whole into more equal parts makes each part smaller. 3. From smallest part to largest part, the denominators go \(8, 6, 4, 3, 2\). 4. Therefore, \(\frac{1}{8} < \frac{1}{6} < \frac{1}{4} < \frac{1}{3} < \frac{1}{2}\).

Answer

\(\frac{1}{8} < \frac{1}{6} < \frac{1}{4} < \frac{1}{3} < \frac{1}{2}\)
5354993
Compare the shaded fractions in the two same-size circles. Write the two fractions, then insert \(<\), \(>\), or \(=\) between them.
Figure for problem 535499

Hints

- Count the equal parts and shaded parts in each circle. - Both shaded fractions represent one equal part of a same-size whole. - Compare the size of one part when the whole is divided into fewer or more equal pieces.

Solution

1. Circle a) has \(1\) of \(3\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{1}{3}\). 2. Circle b) has \(1\) of \(8\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{1}{8}\). 3. Both fractions have numerator \(1\). In the same-size whole, thirds are larger parts than eighths. 4. Therefore, \(\frac{1}{3}>\frac{1}{8}\).

Answer

\(\frac{1}{3}>\frac{1}{8}\)
5355783
The three same-size bars each have one equal part shaded. Which figure has the greatest shaded fraction? Give the figure label and explain.
Figure for problem 535578

Hints

- Count the equal parts in each same-size bar. - Each model shades exactly one part, so compare the sizes of those single parts. - Dividing the same-size whole into fewer equal parts makes each part larger.

Solution

1. Figure a) shows \(\frac{1}{4}\). 2. Figure b) shows \(\frac{1}{3}\). 3. Figure c) shows \(\frac{1}{6}\). 4. The same-size whole in b) is divided into the fewest equal parts, so one part is largest. Therefore, \(\frac{1}{3}>\frac{1}{4}>\frac{1}{6}\), and figure b) is greatest.

Answer

b), because \(\frac{1}{3}\) is greater than \(\frac{1}{4}\) and \(\frac{1}{6}\) for the same-size whole.
5356763
Lucas and Mia each have a round cake of the same size. Figure a) shows the part Lucas eats, and figure b) shows the part Mia eats. Who eats more cake? Write and compare the two fractions.
Figure for problem 535676

Hints

- Count the equal parts and shaded parts in each cake. - Both people eat the same number of pieces, so compare the sizes of those pieces. - In same-size wholes, fewer equal parts make each part larger.

Solution

1. Figure a) has \(2\) of \(3\) equal parts shaded, so Lucas eats \(\frac{2}{3}\). 2. Figure b) has \(2\) of \(6\) equal parts shaded, so Mia eats \(\frac{2}{6}\). 3. The fractions have the same numerator. Thirds are larger pieces than sixths in same-size wholes. 4. Therefore, \(\frac{2}{3}>\frac{2}{6}\), so Lucas eats more cake.

Answer

Lucas eats more: \(\frac{2}{3}>\frac{2}{6}\).
5356773
Use the two same-size grid models. Which figure shows the greater shaded fraction? Write the comparison.
Figure for problem 535677

Hints

- Count the total equal cells and shaded cells in each grid. - Both models shade the same number of cells, so compare the size of one cell in each partition. - Fewer equal parts in a same-size whole make each part larger.

Solution

1. Figure a) has \(4\) of \(6\) equal cells shaded, so it shows \(\frac{4}{6}\). 2. Figure b) has \(4\) of \(8\) equal cells shaded, so it shows \(\frac{4}{8}\). 3. Both fractions have numerator \(4\). Sixths are larger parts than eighths in same-size wholes. 4. Therefore, \(\frac{4}{6}>\frac{4}{8}\), so figure a) is greater.

Answer

Figure a): \(\frac{4}{6}>\frac{4}{8}\).
5356783
Use the two same-size bars. Which shaded fraction is greater? Write the comparison and explain using the part sizes.
Figure for problem 535678

Hints

- Count the equal parts and shaded parts in each bar. - Notice that the same number of parts is shaded in both models. - Compare the size of one part in the fourths partition with one part in the sixths partition.

Solution

1. Bar a) has \(3\) of \(4\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{3}{4}\). 2. Bar b) has \(3\) of \(6\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{3}{6}\). 3. Both fractions have numerator \(3\). Fourths are larger pieces than sixths in same-size wholes. 4. Therefore, \(\frac{3}{4}>\frac{3}{6}\).

Answer

\(\frac{3}{4}>\frac{3}{6}\)
5356793
Use the two same-size circles. Which figure has the greater shaded fraction? Write the comparison.
Figure for problem 535679

Hints

- Count the equal parts and shaded parts in each circle. - Both circles shade the same number of parts. - Compare the size of one part in each same-size whole.

Solution

1. Figure a) has \(3\) of \(6\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{3}{6}\). 2. Figure b) has \(3\) of \(8\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{3}{8}\). 3. Both fractions have numerator \(3\). Sixths are larger pieces than eighths in same-size wholes. 4. Therefore, \(\frac{3}{6}>\frac{3}{8}\), so figure a) is greater.

Answer

Figure a): \(\frac{3}{6}>\frac{3}{8}\).
5356803
Use the two same-size strips. Which strip has the smaller shaded fraction? Write and compare the two fractions.
Figure for problem 535680

Hints

- Count the equal parts and shaded parts in each strip. - The strips represent same-size wholes and shade the same number of parts. - Compare the size of one eighth with the size of one sixth.

Solution

1. Strip a) has \(3\) of \(8\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{3}{8}\). 2. Strip b) has \(3\) of \(6\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{3}{6}\). 3. The strips are the same size and the fractions have the same numerator. Eighths are smaller parts than sixths. 4. Therefore, \(\frac{3}{8}<\frac{3}{6}\), so strip a) has the smaller shaded fraction.

Answer

Strip a): \(\frac{3}{8}<\frac{3}{6}\).
5356813
Use the two same-size grid models. Which shaded fraction is smaller? Write the comparison.
Figure for problem 535681

Hints

- Count the equal parts and shaded parts in each grid. - Both models shade the same number of parts. - Compare the size of one part when the same-size whole is divided into six parts versus eight parts.

Solution

1. Figure a) has \(2\) of \(6\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{2}{6}\). 2. Figure b) has \(2\) of \(8\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{2}{8}\). 3. Both fractions have numerator \(2\). Eighths are smaller pieces than sixths in same-size wholes. 4. Therefore, \(\frac{2}{8}<\frac{2}{6}\).

Answer

Figure b): \(\frac{2}{8}<\frac{2}{6}\).
5356823
Compare the two triangles. Which shaded fraction is smaller? Write the fraction.
Figure for problem 535682

Hints

- Which shaded section looks smaller? - For unit fractions, more equal parts means each part is smaller.

Solution

1. Triangle A is divided into \(3\) equal parts, with \(1\) shaded: \(\frac{1}{3}\). 2. Triangle B is divided into \(4\) equal parts, with \(1\) shaded: \(\frac{1}{4}\). 3. Since one-fourth is less than one-third, \(\frac{1}{4}\) is the smaller fraction.

Answer

Figure B shows the smaller fraction, \(\frac{1}{4}\).
5401563
Compare \(\frac{5}{4}\) and \(\frac{5}{6}\). Which fraction is greater? Explain using the size of one equal part in same-size wholes.

Hints

- Both fractions count the same number of equal parts. - Compare the size of one fourth with the size of one sixth in same-size wholes. - Decide what happens when you take five copies of the larger unit fraction.

Solution

1. Both fractions have numerator \(5\), so each amount uses \(5\) equal parts. 2. A fourth is larger than a sixth when the wholes are the same size. 3. Five fourths therefore cover more than five sixths. 4. Thus, \(\frac{5}{4}>\frac{5}{6}\).

Answer

\(\frac{5}{4}>\frac{5}{6}\) because fourths are larger than sixths in same-size wholes.
5401603
Use the two same-size bars. Write and compare the shaded fractions. How many parts the size of the shaded part in model b) have the same total length as the shaded part in model a)?
Figure for problem 540160

Hints

- Count the equal parts and shaded parts in each bar. - Compare the length of one part in the thirds partition with one part in the sixths partition. - Use the partition boundaries to see how many smaller parts fit exactly in the larger shaded part.

Solution

1. Model a) has \(1\) of \(3\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{1}{3}\). 2. Model b) has \(1\) of \(6\) equal parts shaded, so it shows \(\frac{1}{6}\). 3. A third is larger than a sixth, so \(\frac{1}{3}>\frac{1}{6}\). 4. Two sixth-size parts have the same total length as one third-size part.

Answer

\(\frac{1}{3}>\frac{1}{6}\), and \(2\) sixth-size parts have the same total length as one third-size part.
5402293
The fractions \(\frac{4}{4}\), \(\frac{4}{6}\), and \(\frac{4}{8}\) are shown by points \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\) on the number line, but not named in the text. Match each fraction to its point, then order the fractions from greatest to least.
Figure for problem 540229

Hints

- Start with the point that is exactly at \(1\). - Compare the other two locations with the labeled \(\frac{1}{2}\) and \(1\) positions. - Once the fractions are matched, farther right on the number line means greater.

Solution

1. Point \(A\) is at \(1\), so \(A=\frac{4}{4}\). 2. Point \(B\) is at \(\frac{2}{3}\), which is \(\frac{4}{6}\). 3. Point \(C\) is at \(\frac{1}{2}\), which is \(\frac{4}{8}\). 4. Reading the points from right to left gives \(\frac{4}{4}>\frac{4}{6}>\frac{4}{8}\).

Answer

\(A=\frac{4}{4}\), \(B=\frac{4}{6}\), \(C=\frac{4}{8}\), and \(\frac{4}{4}>\frac{4}{6}>\frac{4}{8}\).
5103233
Two hiking groups are on the same trail. Group A has completed \(\frac{4}{6}\) of the trail. Group B has completed \(\frac{4}{8}\). Which group has a greater fraction of the trail left? Explain without finding a common denominator.

Hints

- For fractions with the same numerator, compare the sizes of the equal parts. - Decide which group has already completed more. - Completing less means having more left. - You can also compare each completed fraction with \(\frac{1}{2}\).

Solution

1. The completed fractions have the same numerator. With the same numerator, the fraction with the smaller denominator is greater, so \(\frac{4}{6}>\frac{4}{8}\). 2. Group A has completed more of the trail, so Group B must have more left. In fact, Group A has \(\frac{2}{6}=\frac{1}{3}\) left and Group B has \(\frac{4}{8}=\frac{1}{2}\) left.

Answer

Group B has a greater fraction of the trail left because \(\frac{4}{8}<\frac{4}{6}\), so Group B has completed less of the trail.
5170233
For each blank, choose a denominator from \(2, 3, 4, 6, 8\) that makes the comparison true. More than one answer may be possible. a) \(\frac{1}{4} > \frac{1}{\square}\) b) \(\frac{1}{6} < \frac{1}{\square}\) c) \(\frac{1}{3} > \frac{1}{\square} > \frac{1}{8}\)

Hints

- For unit fractions, relate the denominator to the size of one equal part of the same whole. - In each part, decide whether the missing unit fraction must be larger or smaller than the given one. - Test only the listed Grade 3 denominators and keep every choice that satisfies the full comparison.

Solution

1. a) The fraction on the right must be smaller than \(\frac{1}{4}\), so its denominator must be larger than \(4\). From the choices, \(6\) and \(8\) work. 2. b) The fraction on the right must be larger than \(\frac{1}{6}\), so its denominator must be smaller than \(6\). From the choices, \(2\), \(3\), and \(4\) work. 3. c) The unit fraction must be smaller than \(\frac{1}{3}\) but larger than \(\frac{1}{8}\). From the choices, \(4\) and \(6\) work.

Answer

a) \(6\) or \(8\) b) \(2\), \(3\), or \(4\) c) \(4\) or \(6\)
5401093
Choose \(4\) or \(8\) for the missing denominator so both comparisons are true: \(\frac{2}{6}<\frac{2}{\square}<\frac{2}{3}\) Explain your choice.

Hints

- Each fraction has \(2\) parts, so compare the size of one part. - The middle fraction needs parts smaller than thirds but larger than sixths. - Try both choices in both comparison signs.

Solution

1. All three fractions have numerator \(2\), so compare the sizes of their equal parts. 2. Fourths are smaller than thirds but larger than sixths. 3. Therefore, \(\frac{2}{6}<\frac{2}{4}<\frac{2}{3}\). 4. Eighths are smaller than sixths, so \(\frac{2}{8}\) would not make the left comparison true.

Answer

The missing denominator is \(4\).
5401493
Start with \(\frac{5}{6}\). Replace the denominator with \(3\) or \(8\) while keeping the numerator \(5\). Which replacement makes a greater fraction than \(\frac{5}{6}\), and which makes a smaller fraction?

Hints

- Each fraction has numerator \(5\), so each uses \(5\) equal parts. - Compare the size of one third, one sixth, and one eighth. - Five larger parts make a larger fraction.

Solution

1. With the same numerator, smaller denominators make larger equal parts. 2. Third-size parts are larger than sixth-size parts, so \(\frac{5}{3}>\frac{5}{6}\). 3. Eighth-size parts are smaller than sixth-size parts, so \(\frac{5}{8}<\frac{5}{6}\).

Answer

Replacing \(6\) with \(3\) makes a greater fraction. Replacing \(6\) with \(8\) makes a smaller fraction.
5401843
Order \(\frac{2}{3},\ \frac{2}{4},\ \frac{2}{8}\) from greatest to least. Then identify the pair in which the greater fraction is exactly twice the smaller fraction.

Hints

- Each fraction has \(2\) equal parts. - Order the size of one third, one fourth, and one eighth. - Look for two part sizes where one is exactly twice the other.

Solution

1. All three fractions have numerator \(2\). 2. Thirds are largest, fourths are next, and eighths are smallest. 3. Therefore, \(\frac{2}{3}>\frac{2}{4}>\frac{2}{8}\). 4. One fourth is twice one eighth, so two fourths are twice two eighths. Thus, \(\frac{2}{4}\) is twice \(\frac{2}{8}\).

Answer

\(\frac{2}{3}>\frac{2}{4}>\frac{2}{8}\). The pair with an exact double relationship is \(\frac{2}{4}\) and \(\frac{2}{8}\).
5401893
Use models a) and b). Write the shaded fraction in each model, then compare the two fractions. Explain using the size of the equal parts.
Figure for problem 540189

Hints

- Count the equal parts and shaded parts in each model. - Notice that the same number of parts is shaded in both models. - Compare the size of one part in the fourths partition with one part in the eighths partition.

Solution

1. Model a) shows \(3\) of \(8\) equal parts shaded, so it represents \(\frac{3}{8}\). 2. Model b) shows \(3\) of \(4\) equal parts shaded, so it represents \(\frac{3}{4}\). 3. Both fractions have numerator \(3\). Fourths are larger parts than eighths in same-size wholes. 4. Therefore, \(\frac{3}{4}>\frac{3}{8}\).

Answer

Model a) shows \(\frac{3}{8}\), model b) shows \(\frac{3}{4}\), and \(\frac{3}{4}>\frac{3}{8}\).
5401943
Order \(\frac{4}{3},\ \frac{4}{4},\) and \(\frac{4}{6}\) from greatest to least. Also state which fraction is greater than \(1\), equal to \(1\), and less than \(1\).

Hints

- Each fraction uses \(4\) equal parts. - Compare the size of one third, one fourth, and one sixth. - Compare each numerator with its denominator to decide whether the fraction is below, at, or above \(1\).

Solution

1. All three fractions have numerator \(4\). 2. Thirds are larger than fourths, and fourths are larger than sixths. 3. Therefore, \(\frac{4}{3}>\frac{4}{4}>\frac{4}{6}\). 4. Also, \(\frac{4}{3}>1\), \(\frac{4}{4}=1\), and \(\frac{4}{6}<1\).

Answer

\(\frac{4}{3}>\frac{4}{4}>\frac{4}{6}\). Also, \(\frac{4}{3}>1\), \(\frac{4}{4}=1\), and \(\frac{4}{6}<1\).
5402133
Use only denominators \(2,3,4,6,\) or \(8\). Find the unit fraction that is greater than \(\frac{1}{6}\) but less than \(\frac{1}{3}\).

Hints

- Keep the numerator \(1\). - The fraction must be smaller than one third but larger than one sixth. - Test the allowed denominators against both comparisons.

Solution

1. With numerator \(1\), a smaller denominator makes a greater fraction. 2. The denominator must be greater than \(3\) to make the fraction less than \(\frac{1}{3}\). 3. It must also be less than \(6\) to make the fraction greater than \(\frac{1}{6}\). 4. The only allowed denominator between \(3\) and \(6\) is \(4\), so the fraction is \(\frac{1}{4}\).

Answer

\(\frac{1}{4}\)
5402193
Use the two same-size banner models. Which banner has more painted? Which banner has more unpainted? Write the painted fractions and explain both comparisons.
Figure for problem 540219

Hints

- Read the painted fraction from each banner model. - Compare the painted amounts using the common numerator. - For same-size whole banners, think about how painted and unpainted amounts are related.

Solution

1. Banner a) has \(2\) of \(3\) equal parts painted, so it shows \(\frac{2}{3}\). 2. Banner b) has \(2\) of \(6\) equal parts painted, so it shows \(\frac{2}{6}\). 3. Thirds are larger than sixths, so \(\frac{2}{3}>\frac{2}{6}\); banner a) has more painted. 4. Because the banners are the same size, the banner with less painted has more unpainted. Thus, banner b) has more unpainted.

Answer

Banner a) has more painted: \(\frac{2}{3}>\frac{2}{6}\). Banner b) has more unpainted.
5402253
Use the number line. The marked fractions have numerator \(3\): one is in fourths and one is in eighths. Match \(\frac{3}{4}\) and \(\frac{3}{8}\) to points \(A\) and \(B\). Then state which point is closer to \(0\) and which is closer to \(1\).
Figure for problem 540225

Hints

- Use the longer fourth-size tick spacing to identify one point. - Use the smaller eighth-size spaces to identify the other point. - On the interval from \(0\) to \(1\), compare the left-right positions to the endpoints.

Solution

1. Point \(A\) is at the third fourth-size step from \(0\), so \(A=\frac{3}{4}\). 2. Point \(B\) is at the third eighth-size step from \(0\), so \(B=\frac{3}{8}\). 3. Since \(\frac{3}{8}<\frac{3}{4}\), point \(B\) is closer to \(0\). 4. Point \(A\) is farther right on the interval from \(0\) to \(1\), so it is closer to \(1\).

Answer

\(A=\frac{3}{4}\) and \(B=\frac{3}{8}\). Point \(B\) is closer to \(0\), and point \(A\) is closer to \(1\).
5540483
On each number line, the marked point is reached by moving \(2\) equal spaces to the right from \(0\). The two wholes are partitioned differently. Write the fraction at \(A\) and the fraction at \(B\). Which fraction is greater? Explain why the same number of spaces does not give the same value.
Figure for problem 554048

Hints

- Count how many equal spaces make one whole on each line. - The numerator is the same because both points are two spaces from \(0\). - Compare the physical size of one space in each partition.

Solution

1. In line a), one whole is divided into \(3\) equal spaces, so point \(A\) is \(\frac{2}{3}\). 2. In line b), one whole is divided into \(6\) equal spaces, so point \(B\) is \(\frac{2}{6}\). 3. Both fractions count \(2\) spaces, but a third-size space is larger than a sixth-size space. 4. Therefore, \(\frac{2}{3}>\frac{2}{6}\).

Answer

\(A=\frac{2}{3}\), \(B=\frac{2}{6}\), and \(\frac{2}{3}>\frac{2}{6}\).
5401753
Use the two same-size bars. Which shaded fraction is greater? Is the greater shaded length exactly twice the smaller shaded length? Explain using the equal parts.
Figure for problem 540175

Hints

- Read the shaded fraction in each bar. - Compare the length of one equal part in the fourths and eighths partitions. - Decide whether the size relationship for one part remains true when the same number of parts is shaded.

Solution

1. Bar a) shows \(\frac{3}{4}\), and bar b) shows \(\frac{3}{8}\). 2. Both fractions have \(3\) shaded parts, but one fourth is twice as long as one eighth in same-size bars. 3. Therefore, \(\frac{3}{4}>\frac{3}{8}\). 4. Because each fourth is twice one eighth, three fourths have exactly twice the shaded length of three eighths.

Answer

\(\frac{3}{4}>\frac{3}{8}\). Yes, the shaded length in bar a) is exactly twice the shaded length in bar b).
5402053
Choose a denominator from \(3\), \(4\), \(6\), or \(8\) to make a fraction with numerator \(2\) that is as close to \(1\) as possible without equaling \(1\). Write the fraction.

Hints

- Keep the numerator \(2\). - A smaller denominator makes each equal part larger. - Choose the smallest listed denominator that does not make the fraction equal to \(1\).

Solution

1. With numerator \(2\), a smaller denominator makes larger equal parts and a fraction closer to \(1\). 2. The smallest allowed denominator greater than \(2\) is \(3\). 3. Therefore, the fraction is \(\frac{2}{3}\).

Answer

\(\frac{2}{3}\)
5509183
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.

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