What Are Benchmark Fractions?
Benchmark fractions are special fractions we use as reference points to
compare other fractions.
The most common benchmarks are 0, ½, and 1. By comparing fractions to these benchmarks, we can quickly
tell which fraction is larger or smaller without having to find common denominators!
How to Compare Using Benchmarks
1️⃣ Find the benchmarks: Identify if the fraction is close to 0, ½, or 1
2️⃣ Compare positions: See where each fraction falls between these benchmarks
3️⃣ Make your decision: The fraction closer to 1 is larger, closer to 0 is smaller
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Compare \(\frac{2}{5}\) and \(\frac{3}{4}\)
Which fraction is larger?
\(\frac{2}{5}\) is less than \(\frac{1}{2}\)(since \(\frac{2.5}{5}\) would be \(\frac{1}{2}\)) and \(\frac{3}{4}\) is more than \(\frac{1}{2}\). Therefore, \(\frac{3}{4}\) is larger than \(\frac{2}{5}\)!
Example 2: Is \(\frac{7}{8}\) closer to \(\frac{1}{2}\) or \(1\)?
Think about it:
\(\frac{7}{8}\) is very close to \(1\) (only \(\frac{1}{8}\) away), while it's \(\frac{3}{8}\) away from \(\frac{1}{2}\). Therefore, \(\frac{7}{8}\) is much closer to \(1\)!
Parent Tips 🌟
-
Kitchen Fractions
- Compare ingredient amounts while cooking
- Ask questions like: "Is \(\frac{2}{3}\) cup more than \(\frac{3}{4}\) cup?"
- Use measuring cups to visualize fractions
-
Visual Measurement Tools
- Demonstrate with rulers/measuring tapes
- Show how \(\frac{1}{2}\), \(\frac{1}{4}\) relate to whole inches/cm
- Compare fraction lengths directly
-
Fraction War Game
- Use playing cards (draw two cards per fraction)
- Compare fractions using benchmarks
- Example: \(\frac{5}{8}\) vs \(\frac{2}{3}\) - which is larger?