Equivalent and comparing fractions worksheets
Aligned with Common Core 3.NF.A.3
Printable third-grade worksheets on equivalent fractions and comparing fractions: a fraction wall, fraction strips, number lines, comparing with the same top or bottom number, ordering fractions and short story problems.
The worksheets
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Fraction Wall Chart
Fraction strips from one whole to eighths, lined up to show equal fractions.
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How to Compare Fractions
The same-bottom-number and same-top-number rules with fraction strips, equal fractions, and the <, > and = symbols.
Equivalent Fraction Strips
Pairs of fraction strips to show equal fractions, like 1/2 = 2/4.
Equivalent Fractions on a Number Line
Two number lines, one above the other, to find fractions at the same point.
Compare: Same Bottom Number
Compare fractions with the same bottom number, like 3/8 and 5/8, with pictures to help.
Compare: Same Top Number
Compare fractions with the same top number, like 2/3 and 2/6, where bigger pieces win.
Compare with Pictures
Shade fraction strips for both fractions, then compare them. Some pairs are equal.
Order the Fractions
Put three fractions with the same top or bottom number in order from smallest to largest.
Which Is More?
Short stories comparing fractions of the same size pizza, pie, garden and more.
Print the whole packet
One copy of every sheet above, in order. Tap + for more copies (up to 10).
For the parent or teacher
What it is
Equivalent fractions name the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4. Third graders find them with fraction strips and number lines. They also compare fractions that have the same bottom number (3/8 and 5/8) or the same top number (2/3 and 2/6), and use <, > and = to show which is bigger. Fractions can only be compared when they are parts of the same size whole.
What comes next
Area and perimeter, and more work with fractions in 4th grade.
How to teach it
- Line up fraction strips to see which fractions take up the same space.
- Same bottom number: the one with more parts is bigger.
- Same top number: the one with bigger pieces is bigger, so the smaller bottom number wins.
- Draw a quick picture when you are not sure.
- Talk about real things, like which is more pizza, 2/4 or 2/8 of the same pizza.
Common mistakes
- Thinking 1/8 is bigger than 1/4 because 8 is bigger than 4.
- Comparing fractions of wholes that are different sizes.
- Thinking equivalent fractions must have the same numbers.