Math Lesson Plan · Grades 4–6

Comparing Fractions Lesson

Give students practice comparing fractions with unlike denominators using three approaches: fraction pieces, visual drawings, and least common multiple. Includes 10 comparison problems plus 2 real-world word problems.

Lesson Overview

How to Compare Fractions

Comparing fractions with unlike denominators can be done three ways. First, use fraction pieces to visualize which fraction is larger. Second, draw a model and shade the parts to compare. Third, rename both fractions using their least common multiple so the denominators match, then compare numerators directly.

This worksheet gives students practice with all three methods across 10 comparison problems, then applies the skill to two word problems — comparing chocolate chips in a recipe and bike distances. Students write <, >, or = for each answer.

How to Use This Lesson

1. Review the three comparison methods as a class: fraction pieces, drawing models, and the least common multiple method.

2. Complete problems 1–6 on page 1 (fraction pieces and drawing models). Encourage students to draw their models neatly.

3. Complete problems 7–10 (least common multiple method) and the word problems on page 2. Discuss the word problem answers as a class.

Printable Resource

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