Which of the following answers can I choose?

Question

Jace was asked to compare the fractions 1/5 and 1/8. When posed with the comparison task asked in a​ context, Jace correctly answered the question.​ However, when the fractions were written on paper and he was asked to circle the larger​ fraction, he answered incorrectly. Why did Jace answer the same question incorrectly when asked the second​ time? Select all that apply.

A.

He did not see the connection between the two​ problems, since one was in context and the other was not.

B.

He compared the numerators when given the problem a second time.

C.

He compared equivalent fractions by determining the Least Common​ Denominator, however made a mistake when determining the equivalent fractions.

D.

He was comparing the denominators of the fractions and not the meaning of the fractions themselves.

Answer 1

I would choose D) He was comparing the denominators of the fractions and not the meaning of the fractions themselves.

The denominators are the numbers on the bottoms of the fractions, so he likely circled 1/8 because 8 is bigger than 5. He didn't think about the actual meaning. However, when seeing the fractions represented in context, the student did realize that 1/5 is bigger.