

How to Compare Fractions by using Benchmarks and Number Lines?Ī number line is the most commonly used visual representation of fractions. Measuring tape several carpentry and construction tools Measuring spoons and cups have several benchmark fractions marked on them. Real-life examples of benchmark fractions: A ruler used in everyday life has halves, fourths, and eighths as benchmark fractions. Here we must multiply both the numerator and denominator with the same number. Since there are six multiples involved in reaching up to 12 in the denominator, we will multiply ½ by 6 as follows: We will stop when we get the denominator of the other number. We will first make a list of multiples of 2 (the denominator of ½). As three is less than four, 3/8 will be slightly less than one-half.Įxample: Compare ½ and 7/12 to see which one is greater.

How to Compare Fractions using Benchmark Fractions?Ĭonsider the following examples to understand how to compare different fractions with benchmark fractions.Įxample: Compare whether 3/8 is less or more than one-half? Some common benchmark fraction examples are as follows: Therefore, it is much closer to 5/10 (or ½) than 0 or 1. So, on comparing 4/10 to 5/10, we can note that it is only 1/10 away from 5/10. So, a fraction with ten as the denominator can be compared to 5/10 as we know that it is exactly half. 5/10 is equivalent to ½ on simplification. If we use 1/2 as a benchmark fraction, it simplifies the process. If the numerator is exactly half the amount of the denominator, then the fraction is equivalent to one-half. We will first study the numerator and compare it to the denominator.

Now, we can compare the other fractions with different denominators to one half.Īlso, it is simple to determine whether a fraction is equivalent to one-half.

½ can also be written in different forms or equivalent fractions, such as 2/4, 3/6, 4/8, and so on. It lies right in the middle between zero and one. Therefore, the most common benchmark fraction example is ½ (one-half). We can easily divide any object to be measured or compared into two equal parts. Using benchmark fractions for estimations helps students develop fraction number sense and advance their mental math skills. They are simple common fractions that each of us is familiar with, and they make visualizing complicated fractions much easier. So, a known size or amount helps understand a different size or amount. How to compare fractions by using benchmarks and number lines?īenchmark fraction definition: A common fraction that we can use to compare other fractions is a benchmark fraction.How to compare fractions using benchmark fractions?.The word benchmark refers to a standard that other things can be compared to. Their role and usage are the same as their name suggests. Want to simplify comparing and ordering fractions? Learn all about benchmark fractions, their definition, use, chart, and much more, as it is one of the best strategies to use these fractions when understanding the comparison of fractions. 2/12 or 6/7- which one is greater? To answer this, one would have to calculate the lowest common denominator and then multiply both fractions so that they share a common denominator and then compare them.
