Comparing Whole Numbers and Fractions
An integer and a fractional number can be compared. One number is either greater than, less than or equal to the other number. When comparing fractional numbers to whole number, convert the fraction to a decimal number by division and compare the numbers. An integer and a fractional number can be compared. One number is either greater than, less than or equal to the other number.
When comparing fractional numbers to whole number, convert the fraction to a decimal number by division and compare the numbers. It may be helpful to count the decimal places of your converted fraction and add that many zeroes after the decimal point of the whole number.
To compare, start with the integer portion of the two numbers. If one is larger, then it is the larger number overall and you are done. If they are the same, move on to the tenths digit and compare again.
How to Compare Fractions
- If you have mixed numbers convert them to improper fractions.
- Find the lowest common denominator (LCD) for the fractions.
- Convert each fraction into its equivalent with the LCD in the denominator.
- Compare fractions: If denominators are the same you can compare the numerators.
How do you compare whole numbers?
To compare two values that are not the same, you can write an inequality. You can use a number line or place value to determine which number is greater than another number. Inequalities can be expressed using greater than (>) or less than (<) symbols.
To compare decimal numbers to a whole number, start with the integer portion of the numbers. If one is larger then that one is the larger number. If they have the same value, compare tenths and then hundredths etc. If one decimal has a higher number in the tenths place then it is larger and the decimal with less tenths is smaller. If the tenths are equal compare the hundredths, then the thousandths etc. until one decimal is larger or there are no more places to compare.
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