To compare fractions you can draw a picture or use the Butterfly method.

Draw a picture

Use >, <, or =.

3 4

<

5 6

Butterfly method

Use >, <, or =.

< 10

3 5

<

2 3

Butterfly method

Use >, <, or =.

> 10

12

3 10

>

1 4

To order fractions you can draw a picture or use the Least Common Denominator (LCD).

Draw a picture

Order : least to greatest

3 4
1 2

5 6

Order the fractions from least to greatest.

1 2

3 5 , , 4 6

One way to compare or order fractions is to express them with the same denominator.

Any common denominator could be used. But the Least Common Denominator (LCD) makes the computation easier.

The Least Common Denominator is the Least Common Multiple of the denominators.
LCD = LCM

Use LCD

List the fractions in order from greatest to least. 1 7 5 2 , , , 6 12 9 3

Use LCD

Step 1: Find the LCM of the denominators

1 7 5 2 , , , 6 12 9 3

Find the LCD: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 12, 24, 36, 48 9, 18, 27, 36, 45
3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24,

27, 30, 33, 36 LCD = 36

Step 2: Write equivalent fractions. x 6

1 6 6 x 6 36 5 x 4 20 9 x 4 36

7 x 3 21 12 x 3 36 2x 12 24 3x 12 36

Step 3: Compare the numerators

1 6 6 36 5 20 9 36

7 21 36 12 2 24 36 3

Use LCD

In order from greatest to least:

2 7 5 1 , , , 3 12 9 6