IXL | Compare sums and differences of unit fractions

Without subtracting, find which difference is

less.

–

neither; they are equal

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Learn with an example

question

Without adding, find which sum is

less.

neither; they are equal

key idea

A unit fraction has a numerator of 1. A unit fraction with a smaller denominator has a larger value. A unit fraction with a larger denominator has a smaller value.

has a smaller denominator than

is greater than

solution

Each fraction has a numerator of 1, so they are all unit fractions. Look at their denominators to compare them.

Compare the first fractions.

The first fractions are equal.

Compare the second fractions.

The unit fraction with the larger denominator has a smaller value. So,

is less than

Compare the sums.

The first fractions are equal. The first sum has a smaller second fraction. So, the first sum is less than the second.

Looking for more? Try these:

Lesson: Comparing fractions

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Teacher tools

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Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

K.3Compare fractions and mixed numbers

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Lesson: Comparing fractions

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