IXL | Compare sums and differences of unit fractions

Without adding, find which sum is

greater.

ref_doc_title.

Learn with an example

question

Without subtracting, find which difference is

greater.

–

neither; they are equal

key idea

A unit fraction has a numerator of 1. A unit fraction with a smaller denominator has a larger value. A unit fraction with a larger denominator has a smaller value.

has a smaller denominator than

is greater than

solution

Each fraction has a numerator of 1, so they are all unit fractions. Look at their denominators to compare them.

Compare the first fractions.

–

The first fractions are equal.

Compare the second fractions.

–

The unit fraction with the smaller denominator has a greater value. So,

is greater than

Compare the differences.

The first fractions are equal. The second difference has a smaller second fraction. So, the second difference is greater than the first.

–

Looking for more? Try these:

Lesson: Comparing fractions

$Confetti$

Excellent!

Now entering the Challenge Zone—are you ready?

Questions
answeredQuestions

Time
elapsedTime

hr	min	sec
00	00	02

SmartScore
out of 100
IXL's SmartScore is a dynamic measure of progress towards mastery, rather than a percentage grade. It tracks your skill level as you tackle progressively more difficult questions. Consistently answer questions correctly to reach excellence (90), or conquer the Challenge Zone to achieve mastery (100)! Learn more

Teacher tools

Work it out

Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

Compare sums of unit fractions

Compare differences of unit fractions

Lesson: Comparing fractions

Excellent! You got that right!

Jumping to level 1 of 1

Excellent!