One way to compare fractions is by using a tape diagram. A tape diagram is a tool that allows us to visualize the size of the parts of a fraction. If the fractions have the same denominator (the bottom number), we can directly compare the numerators (the top numbers). The fraction with the larger numerator represents the larger value. If the fractions have different denominators, we can still use a tape diagram to help us compare them.
Draw two tape diagrams of the same length side by side.
Divide each tape diagram into parts according to the denominator of each fraction. For example, if we're comparing 1/2 and 2/3, divide one tape into 2 equal parts and the other into 3 equal parts.
Shade the number of parts indicated by the numerator in each tape diagram. In our example, shade one part in the first tape (for 1/2) and two parts in the second tape (for 2/3).
Compare the shaded parts of the two tape diagrams. The fraction with the larger shaded area is the larger fraction.
