Symbols That Compare

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is a visual tool for teaching students about comparing mixed numbers using pictorial representations. It features pairs of circles-some fully shaded to represent whole numbers and others partially shaded to signify fractions-arranged in two columns. Students are instructed to compare each pair by placing the correct symbol (greater than, less than, or equal to) in the space provided between them. This method uses visual fractions to help students understand and compare the sizes of mixed numbers without relying on numerical notation.

The worksheet is aimed at teaching students to analyze and compare the values of mixed numbers through a visual and intuitive approach. By assessing the shaded portions of the circles, students learn to discern the relative sizes of fractions and whole numbers represented graphically. This exercise enhances their conceptual understanding of mixed numbers and fractions, and the comparison skill being practiced is fundamental to number sense. Furthermore, translating visual information into mathematical symbols (>, <, =) bridges the gap between visual understanding and mathematical notation, reinforcing their ability to compare numbers in different forms.