Compare fractions: word problems
key notes:
A percent is 1 part out of 100.
1% is equal to 1/100 or 0.01.
Learn with an example
During study hall, Ernest finished 1/4 of the problems from his maths homework. Jackson did 1/2 of the problems from his maths homework.
Who did a greater fraction of his maths problems?
A} Ernest
B} Jackson
First, write 1/4 as a decimal. Then convert the decimal to a percentage.
1/4 = 0.25 = 25%
Do the same thing for 1/2.
1/2 = 0.5 = 50%
Now compare the percentages.
25% ? 50%
25 is less than 50, s0 25% < 50%
Jackson did a greater fraction of his maths problems.
Yesterday, Nicholas bought 1/2 of the items on his shopping list. Kendrick purchased 8/9 of the items on his shopping list.
Who bought a greater fraction of the items on his shopping list?
A} Nicholas
B} Kendrick
First, write 1/2 as a decimal. Then convert the decimal to a percentage.
1/2 = 0.5 = 50%
Do the same thing for 8/9.
8/9 = 0.88888…. = 88.888…%
Now compare the percentages. compare the whole number of parts.
50% ? 88.888…%
50 is less than 88, so 50% <88.888…%.
Kendrick bought a greater fraction of his shopping list of items
1/4 of the local Science Bowl contestants were competing for the first time, while 3/4 of the regional Science Bowl contestants were competing for the first time.
Which science bowl had a greater fraction of first-time contestants?
- local
- regional
First, write 1/4 as a decimal. Then convert the decimal to a percentage.
1/4 = 0.25 = 25%
Do the same thing for 3/4,
3/4 = 0.75 = 75%
Now compare the percentages.
25% ? 75%
25 is less than 75, so 25% < 75%.
The regional science bowl had a greater fraction of first-time contestants.
Let’s practice:
