Get Ready · Lesson 3-5: Compare Ratios

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Why this matters for Lesson 3-5: To compare two ratios you scale them to a common number and see which is bigger — the same skill as comparing fractions with a common denominator. Warm up scaling fractions and comparing and the comparison is clear.

Quick Check · 1 minute

Where should you start?

Answer these 3, then press Show my path. No grade — this just points you to the right level.

1. Which is greater?

2. 1/3 = ?/6 — the missing top number is…?

3. Which fraction is bigger: 3/6 or 4/6?

🧱 Start at Level 0. We'll build this from the ground up with small steps. That's totally fine — take your time below.

🛠️ Start at Level 1. You've got the idea — a little guided practice and you'll be ready.

🚀 Start at Level 2. Your basics are strong! Do the quick warm-up and head into the lesson.

⚠️ Answer all 3 questions first, then press Show my path.

Learn It

Making ratios comparable

To compare ratios, scale them so one part matches — then compare the other part. It's just like making a common denominator to compare fractions.

Compare 1:2 and 2:3. Scale to a common first part: 1:2 → 2:4. Now 2:4 vs 2:3 — same first part, so the smaller second part (3) is the stronger ratio.

Bigger second number per same first number means more of that part — same as 2/4 vs 2/3.

Practice · Your Level

Try It

Your quick check picks one for you, but you can switch any time:

Level 0 Compare plain numbers first.

A. Which is greater, 8 or 6? Type the greater number.

Hint

8 is more than 6.

B. Which fraction is bigger: 2/5 or 3/5?

Hint

Same bottom (5), so the bigger top wins: 3 > 2.

C. Build a common top: 1/2 = ?/4. The top becomes ___?

Hint

1 × 2 = 2, so 1/2 = 2/4.

Level 1 Scale a fraction to compare.

A. Make 2/3 into sixths: 2/3 = ?/6. The top becomes ___?

Hint

Multiply top and bottom by 2: 2×2 = 4 → 4/6.

B. Which is bigger: 2/3 or 1/2? (Hint: 2/3 = 4/6 and 1/2 = 3/6.)

Hint

4/6 > 3/6, so 2/3 is bigger.

Level 2 Warm up comparing ratios.

A. Cups per dollar: Stand A is 2 cups for $1, Stand B is 3 cups for $1. Which is the better deal?

Hint

Same price ($1), more cups (3 > 2) is better → Stand B.

B. Scale 3:5 so the first part is 6: 3:5 = 6:?. The second part becomes ___?

Hint

Both times 2: 3×2=6, 5×2=10.

★

Exit Ticket

Show You're Ready

1. Which fraction is bigger: 5/6 or 4/6?

Hint

Same bottom, bigger top wins: 5 > 4.

2. Make 1/4 into eighths: 1/4 = ?/8. The top becomes ___?

Hint

Multiply top and bottom by 2: 1×2 = 2 → 2/8.

🎉 You're warmed up!

You've practiced exactly what Lesson 3-5 uses. Time to dive in.

Start Lesson 3-5 →

← Lesson 3-5 📄 Practice packet (Word) →