If two fractions have the same top number, you have the same number of pieces.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
So the piece size decides
3/4 beats 3/8, because fourths are bigger pieces than eighths.
The trap
8 is bigger than 4, so 3/8 looks bigger. It is not. Check the picture every time.
The line settles it
3/8 sits closer to 0 than 3/4 does. That is the whole answer.
Same count, so the piece size decides
Comparing 3/4 and 3/8: both are three pieces, but fourths are bigger than eighths, so 3/4 is bigger. With the same top number, the smaller bottom number wins, because it makes the pieces bigger.
Picture it with pizza
Three slices of a pizza cut into four is much more food than three slices of the same pizza cut into eight. The number of slices is identical; the slices themselves are not. Anyone who has shared a pizza already understands this comparison.
Only compare when something matches
These two rules cover same bottom and same top. When neither matches — comparing 2/3 and 3/5 — you need equivalent fractions or a number line. Do not apply either rule where it does not fit; that is a common and confident-looking error.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Same top numbers, different bottoms. Watch the line.
3/4
3/8
3/4 is greater than 3/8.
The same number of pieces, but the bigger denominator makes smaller pieces.
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Ana Avoid the Trap
Ana compares 2/3 and 2/6.
- Step 1
She notices 6 is bigger than 3 and pauses rather than answering.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
Two Cakes
Problem 1 of 2
Would you rather have 3/4 of a cake or 3/8 of the same cake?
The Ribbon
Problem 2 of 2
Which is longer, 2/5 of a metre or 2/8 of a metre?
Same Top Number
1 of 3
Which is bigger, 4/5 or 4/8?
2 of 3
Which is bigger, 1/2 or 1/6?
3 of 3
Which is bigger, 5/6 or 5/8?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 2
Which is bigger, 3/4 or 3/6?
Question 2 of 2
Does a bigger bottom number mean a bigger fraction?
What You Learned
- Same top number means the same number of pieces.
- Then the bigger denominator loses, because its pieces are smaller.
- A bigger bottom number never means a bigger fraction.