Two fractions have the same numerator, but different denominators. Is the fraction with the greater denominator greater than or less than the fraction with the lesser denominator?
well, if a pie is divided into 10 pieces, are they larger or smaller than when it's cut into 5 pieces?
Smaller denominator means fewer pieces, so each is larger.
To compare fractions with the same numerator but different denominators, you can follow these steps:
1. Understand the concept: The denominator represents the number of equal parts into which a whole is divided, while the numerator represents the number of those parts we are considering. When the numerator is the same, the fractions are essentially comparing the sizes of the denominators.
2. Determine the relationship: If the denominators are different, the fraction with the greater denominator is actually dividing the whole into smaller parts compared to the fraction with the lesser denominator. This means that the fraction with the greater denominator has larger parts, and therefore, it represents a smaller fraction.
3. Conclusion: Therefore, the fraction with the greater denominator is actually less than the fraction with the lesser denominator.
For example, let's compare 1/4 and 1/8. Both fractions have 1 as the numerator, but 4 is greater than 8. Since 4 is greater than 8, 1/4 is smaller than 1/8.