Two banners are different lengths. Banner A is \(8\,\text{in.}\) long, and \(\frac{3}{4}\) of it is painted. Banner B is \(12\,\text{in.}\) long, and \(\frac{2}{4}\) of it is painted.
a) Compare the fraction numbers \(\frac{3}{4}\) and \(\frac{2}{4}\) using \(<\), \(>\), or \(=\).
b) How many inches are painted on each banner?
c) Explain why the greater fraction does not give a longer painted length in this situation.
Hints
- First compare the two fraction numbers using their common denominator.
- For each banner, determine the length of one fourth from that banner's own total length.
- Compare the two painted lengths with the order of the fraction numbers.
- In the explanation, consider why the size of the reference whole matters.
Solution
1. a) The fractions have the same denominator. Three fourths contains more fourth-size fraction parts than two fourths, so \(\frac{3}{4} > \frac{2}{4}\).
2. b) Banner A is divided into fourths, so each fourth is \(8 \div 4 = 2\,\text{in.}\). Three fourths is \(3 \times 2 = 6\,\text{in.}\).
3. Banner B is divided into fourths, so each fourth is \(12 \div 4 = 3\,\text{in.}\). Two fourths is \(2 \times 3 = 6\,\text{in.}\).
4. c) The fraction numbers compare shares of a same-size whole, but the banners are different lengths. Here the painted physical lengths are equal even though \(\frac{3}{4} > \frac{2}{4}\).
Answer
a) \(\frac{3}{4} > \frac{2}{4}\)
b) Banner A: \(6\,\text{in.}\); Banner B: \(6\,\text{in.}\)
c) The wholes are different lengths. The same-denominator fraction comparison tells which fraction number is greater, but it does not by itself compare physical painted lengths from different-size wholes.