Fraction words
Benchmark fraction
A familiar fraction, such as 1/2, used as a reference point for comparing other fractions.
Is 3/8 or 4/7 larger? Half of 8 is 4, so 3/8 is less than one half. Half of 7 is three and a half, so 4/7 is more than one half. That settles it: 4/7 > 3/8.
Common benchmarks are 0, 1/2 and 1. They let you compare fractions without finding a common denominator.
See also: Number line
Try it in a slice
Slice 15
Compare Without Guessing
Which is bigger, (three eighths) or (four sevenths)?
How to compare fractions like 3/8 and 4/7 by asking which side of one half each one is on. · About 4 minutes