Students are presented with sets of two fractions on the worksheet titled "Comparing Two Fractions: A Fraction Coloring and Comparing Activity." They have to use the greater than or less than symbol to show which one is bigger and which one is smaller. There are also a few examples where students must use the equal sign to show the fractions are equivalent.

To make it easier, the directions ask students to color the fraction first. For example, 1/4 is shown as four rectangles above a row of 1/7 rectangles that show each set of fractions as part of a single whole. Students compare 2/4 to 3/7 by coloring in two 1/4 sections and three 1/7 sections to see which one is bigger.

Worksheets get more difficult as they progress by showing larger fractions and asking students to draw the fraction boxes before coloring them in. This is a great way for them to practice breaking a whole down into different sections before comparing them.

Comparing fractions with different denominators is best done visually, especially in lower grades before students are ready to find equivalent fractions. Allowing them to see a series of fractions as part of a whole allows them to see how one fraction relates to another.

For example, a rectangle can be broken down into a row of 1/5 pieces. Underneath, it can be broken down into another row of 1/7 pieces. Then, students can color in 1/5 and 2/7 to see which one is smaller and which one is bigger. This helps students practice their estimation skills and think critically about relative size while giving them a concrete visual representation they refer to while they're learning.