Comparing Negative Fractions and Mixed Numbers Practice
A 20-question practice set for 7th graders on ordering and comparing negative fractions and mixed numbers, with denominators under 6 and integers between -6 and 6. It includes 10 comparison problems (4 positive vs. negative, 6 negative vs. negative) and 10 ordering problems (3 with three numbers, 3 with four, 2 with five plus the remaining items), and opens with a key idea and worked example on which negative is smaller. It is well suited to a 30 to 45 minute independent or partner practice block.
“Make a practice for 7th graders that has 20 questions for ordering and comparing with negative fractions and mixed numbers. 10 questions should have comparing only with 4 of them comparing a positive to a negative. 6 should have a negative compared to a negative. The other 5 questions should have 3 fractions and mixed numbers to order, 3 should have 4 to order and 2 questions should have 5 to order. All denominators should be less than 6 and integers should be between -6 and 6.”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Introduce the number line idea first: for negatives, the number farther left is smaller, so the one with the larger absolute value is smaller. Work through the worked example together before students begin.
- Discussion question: Why is -1 3/4 smaller than -1 1/2 even though 1 3/4 is larger than 1 1/2? Ask students to explain using the number line.
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Have students convert each mixed number to an improper fraction or decimal first, and sketch a quick number line for each pair before deciding on the symbol.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to order a set of ten mixed negative numbers with unlike denominators, then explain a strategy that avoids converting every number to a common denominator.
- Estimated time: About 5 minutes for the key idea and example, and 25 to 35 minutes for the 20 problems.
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Try Diffit for free“Make a practice for 7th graders that has 20 questions for ordering and comparing with negative fractions and mixed numbers. 10 questions should have comparing only with 4 of them comparing a positive to a negative. 6 should have a negative compared to a negative. The other 5 questions should have 3 fractions and mixed numbers to order, 3 should have 4 to order and 2 questions should have 5 to order. All denominators should be less than 6 and integers should be between -6 and 6.”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Introduce the number line idea first: for negatives, the number farther left is smaller, so the one with the larger absolute value is smaller. Work through the worked example together before students begin.
- Discussion question: Why is -1 3/4 smaller than -1 1/2 even though 1 3/4 is larger than 1 1/2? Ask students to explain using the number line.
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Have students convert each mixed number to an improper fraction or decimal first, and sketch a quick number line for each pair before deciding on the symbol.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to order a set of ten mixed negative numbers with unlike denominators, then explain a strategy that avoids converting every number to a common denominator.
- Estimated time: About 5 minutes for the key idea and example, and 25 to 35 minutes for the 20 problems.
Comparing Negative Fractions and Mixed Numbers Practice
A 20-question practice set for 7th graders on ordering and comparing negative fractions and mixed numbers, with denominators under 6 and integers between -6 and 6. It includes 10 comparison problems (4 positive vs. negative, 6 negative vs. negative) and 10 ordering problems (3 with three numbers, 3 with four, 2 with five plus the remaining items), and opens with a key idea and worked example on which negative is smaller. It is well suited to a 30 to 45 minute independent or partner practice block.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free