Final answer:
The use of 1/2 as a reference point helps Suzie determine whether other fractions are greater or lesser. Fractions less than 1/2, like 1/3, are smaller than those greater than 1/2, like 3/5 or 2/3. This comparison technique simplifies evaluating the size of different fractions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Suzie's use of 1/2 as a benchmark fraction is a clever strategy for comparing other fractions and determining which is larger. By recognizing that 1/2 is the equivalent of 50%, it becomes easier to discern whether fractions like 1/3 or 3/5 are greater or lesser than this benchmark. We know that 1/3 is less than 1/2 because if we divide a pie into 3 equal parts, each part is smaller than dividing a pie into 2 equal parts (half).
On the other hand, 3/5 means we divide a pie into 5 parts and take 3 of them, which is more than half of the pie, because taking 2.5 parts would be exactly half. So, 3/5 is greater than 1/2. When comparing 3/7 to 2/3, again we utilize 1/2 (or 3.5/7 in terms of sevenths) as a reference. Since 3/7 is less than 3.5/7, it's also less than 1/2. However, 2/3, which is equivalent to 4.67/7, is greater than 1/2. Hence, 2/3 is also greater than 3/7.