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4th Grade Math · Compare Fractions with Different Numerators and Denominators

Compare to 1/2 Worksheets

Fresh practice, ready to print. Answer key included.

One fraction is 1/2. Decide whether the other is less, equal, or greater, such as 5/8 and 1/2.

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Compare to 1/2 Worksheets: page 1 of a free printable 4th grade math worksheet
Page 1 of a sample worksheet

How it works: a quick refresher

The rules this worksheet practices, then one problem worked from start to finish.

StrategyHow it works
Benchmark of 1/2A fraction equal to 1/2 has a numerator that is half the denominator. 3/8 is less than 1/2 because 3 is less than 4.
Common denominatorRewrite both fractions with the same denominator, then compare the numerators. 2/3 = 8/12 and 3/4 = 9/12, so 2/3 < 3/4.
One denominator may already workIf one denominator is a multiple of the other, only one fraction has to change. 1/2 = 4/8, so compare 4/8 and 5/8.
Equal fractionsDifferent writing can be the same amount. 2/3 = 8/12, so the sign is =.
HundredthsCompare 3/4 and 70/100 by writing 3/4 as 75/100. 75 hundredths is more than 70.

Worked example

Compare 5/8 and 1/2.

  1. 1Write 1/2 with denominator 8. Half of 8 is 4, so 1/2 = 4/8.
  2. 25/8 and 4/8 have the same denominator.
  3. 35 is more than 4, so 5/8 is greater than 4/8.
  4. 45/8 > 1/2.

Ready-made versions

Three fixed versions you can link to or share. Each is a PDF with its own answer key.

Grade level and standard

Written for 4th grade math (fractions) and aligned to CCSS 4.NF.A.2. It also works as review in later grades.

Common questions

Is there an answer key?
Yes. Every worksheet has a matching answer key with each answer worked on the same grid or layout as the question. The worksheet code printed at the bottom of each page pairs a sheet with its key.
Is 2/4 allowed as a benchmark instead of 1/2?
2/4 is the same amount as 1/2, and it is a fair comparison. This section writes the benchmark as 1/2 so the first step is to make a fraction equal to one half.
What if my child gets a common denominator that is larger than it needs to be?
A larger common denominator still works. 2/3 = 16/24 and 3/4 = 18/24 gives the same order as 8/12 and 9/12. Smaller denominators are less arithmetic, not a different answer.
How many different versions are there?
About a million per skill. Each time you press the button the problems are generated fresh, so you can print a different version for every student, a retake, or another night of practice.
Are the worksheets free?
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