Maryland Math 4.NOS.D.10.b

Math4th GradeNumber and Operation Sense

The Standard

4.NOS.D.10: Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, understanding that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole.

Record comparisons with symbols >, =, <.

Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics (2025) · EXTEND UNDERSTANDING OF FRACTION EQUIVALENCE AND ORDERING.

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students compare two fractions of the same whole and put >, <, or = between them. They use fraction strips, drawings, or equivalent fractions to check their choice.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student writes 3/4 > 5/8 after seeing that 3/4 is 6/8. They also recognize that 2/3 = 4/6.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think 5/8 is greater than 3/4 because 8 is greater than 4. They may reverse the symbol or compare fractions drawn from different-sized wholes.
How to Assess It: On an exit ticket, have students fill in the symbols: 3/4 __ 5/8, 2/3 __ 4/6, and 1/4 __ 1/2. Ask them to draw fraction bars to explain one choice.

Lesson moves

Give pairs fraction strips for 3/4, 5/8, and 2/3; have them line up the strips and write two comparisons.
Ask, “Is 3/4 > 2/3?” Have students draw equal-sized bars and write one sentence defending their symbol.
Deal fraction cards in pairs; students place a >, <, or = card between them, then check with fraction strips.
Show two same-size pizzas with 3/4 and 5/8 left; students sketch the leftovers and write a comparison.

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