Helping Year 7 students learn how to compare fractions, decimals, and percentages is important for several reasons:

Basic Math Skills

1. Seeing Connections: Students learn how these three types of numbers work together. For example, knowing that $0.75$ is the same as $\frac{3}{4}$ and $75\%$ helps them understand numbers better.

2. Finding Common Denominators: When comparing fractions like $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{3}{4}$, students can find a common denominator, such as $4$. This makes it easier to see which fraction is bigger or smaller.

Everyday Uses

1. Real-Life Examples: We often use percentages in everyday life, like when figuring out discounts while shopping. A study showed that about 70% of adults in the UK feel unsure about managing their budgets. Learning these skills early can help them feel more confident.

2. Knowing Benchmarks: When students know that $50\%$ means half or that $0.1$ means one-tenth, they can estimate and compare amounts better. This helps them make smarter choices.

School Success

1. Getting Ready for Tests: In the UK national curriculum, students are tested on their ability to work with fractions, decimals, and percentages. Getting good at comparing these can help them do well on exams.

2. Long-Term Gains: Studies show that 80% of students who do well in math in Year 7 keep doing well in later years. Learning how to compare these forms sets them up for success in tougher math topics later on.

In summary, learning to compare fractions, decimals, and percentages improves students' math skills. It also gets them ready for real-life situations and helps them succeed in school.