Order Fractions Using Bar Modelling

Comparing two fractions is one area that many students struggle with, as they are not widely used in real life.

One method of comparing them is to use bar models.

e.g. Which of the following fractions is the largest?

Step 1: Draw two bars of equal length.

Step 2: Split one bar into six and the other into four.

Step 3: Shade in 5/6 of the top bar.

Step 4: Shade in 3/4 of the lower bar.

Step 5: Compare the fractions to decide which one is bigger.

As you can see, 5/6 is larger, as more of its bar has been coloured and the bars are exactly the same length. 

In this activity, you will compare pairs of fractions in order to choose which is larger. 

You will want to have some paper and a pencil with you so that you can create your own bar models as we work through these challenges together.