Comparing and Ordering Fractions

Lesson 3-7

Strategy
Make sure the denominators are the same. Compare the numerators.
If the denominators are not the same, then rewrite the fractions using a common denominator.
The new fractions should be equivalent to the original fractions.

Writing Equivalent Fractions

One way to find a common denominator is to multiply the two original denominators.

5 6
x4

>

3 4
18 24
x6

6 x 4 = 24

20 > 18

20 24

Another way to compare fractions is to find the LCM of both denominators. Use the LCM as the new denominator in the equivalent fractions.

9, 18, 27, 36, 45

12, 24, 36, 48, 60

5 9

7 < 12
20 < 21

x4

20 36

21 36

x3

Ordering Fractions
Find the LCM of the denominators. Use the LCM to write equivalent fractions. Put the fractions in order using the numerators.

Example - Order from Least to 2 1 Greatest: 3

8
x5 x8

5 16 40

4
10 40
x 10

15 40

8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40

1/4 < 3/8 < 2/5

Homework Time