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⚖️ Comparing Unit Fractions

Put fractions like 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 in order and learn the twist: a bigger bottom number means smaller pieces. Then use fractions to solve real problems.

4
lessons
~20 min
to learn
🔢 Math
subject
Ages 6–12
level
Start the course →

What you’ll learn

  1. The Big TwistUnderstand that for unit fractions, a bigger denominator means a smaller piece.With unit fractions, a bigger bottom number means a smaller piece, because the same whole is shared more ways. So 1/2 is bigger than 1/3, which is bigger than 1/4.
  2. Ordering Unit FractionsOrder unit fractions using the size rule.To order unit fractions, use the twist: the smallest denominator is the biggest piece. Largest to smallest, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5. Comparing two at a glance, the smaller bottom number is bigger.
  3. Same Bottom NumberCompare fractions with the same denominator by their numerators.When fractions share a denominator, the pieces are the same size, so just compare the top numbers: 3/5 is bigger than 2/5. Two rules to remember — same top, compare bottoms; same bottom, compare tops.
  4. Fraction ProblemsSolve word problems that involve finding a fraction of a quantity.Fractions solve real problems like sharing stickers or slicing pizza. To find a fraction of a group, share into equal groups and take the parts you need: 1/3 of 12 stickers is 4, and 3/8 of a pizza is 3 slices.

Questions this course answers

Which is the bigger piece of the same cake, 1/3 or 1/5?

A smaller bottom number means a bigger piece, so 1/3 is bigger.

A bigger bottom number in a unit fraction means the piece is…

More equal shares of one whole means each is smaller.

Order from LARGEST to smallest: which comes first?

1/2 has the smallest bottom number, so it is the largest.

Which unit fraction is the SMALLEST?

1/8 has the biggest bottom number, so it is the smallest piece.

Which is bigger, 3/5 or 2/5?

Same bottom number, so more parts (3) is bigger.

When two fractions have the same bottom number, the bigger one has the…

Same-size pieces, so more of them (bigger top) is bigger.

Grounded in trusted sources

  • Khan Academy Kids
  • PBS Kids — early math
  • Britannica Kids
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Every Wunder lesson is built from real, reputable sources — never invented.

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