Compare Unit Fractions of Numbers or Quantities

In this activity, we will be learning how to compare unit fractions of numbers and quantities.

Remember that the top number in a fraction is called the numerator.

The bottom number is called the denominator.

A unit fraction uses one as a numerator. 

A non-unit fraction uses a number larger than one as a numerator.

Let's look at an example of finding a unit fraction of an amount.

Here are eight dogs. 

To find one quarter of them (1/4), we need to share 8 into 4 equal groups. 

8 ÷ 4 = 2

There will be two dogs in each group. 

So, one quarter of eight is 2.

1/4 of 8 = 2

Look at the picture below.

How many cats will be in one third?

Or we could say what is one third of these cats?

=

Let's look carefully at the animals. 

There are 6 cats. 

To find one third (1/3), we must divide them into 3 equal groups. 

6 ÷ 3 = 2

So, one third of 6 is 2.

1/3 of 6 = 2

Let's try a question where we need to compare unit fractions of amounts.

Example

Which is larger: 1/3 of 6 or 1/2 of 8? 

Answer

We know from the examples that 1/3 of 6 is 2.

To find 1/2 or 8, we divide by 2.

8 ÷ 2 = 4

1/2 of 8 is 4.

So, 1/2 of 8 is larger than 1/3 of 6.

Are you ready to try some of these for yourself?