Comparing and Ordering Fractions

Created by Leslie Fenton

Make sure the denominators are the same. If the denominators are not the same,

then rewrite the fractions using a common denominator.

The new fractions should be equivalent to the original fraction.

Compare the numerators.

Strategy

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

Writing Equivalent Fractions

56

34 6 x 4 = 24

24 24

x 4

20x 6

18

20 > 18

>

Another way to compare fractions is to find the LCM of both denominators. LCM: Least Common Multiple (the one number both denominators can divide

into with no remainder)

Use the LCM as the new denominator in the equivalent fractions.

712

599, 18, 27, 36, 45

12, 24, 36, 48, 60

36 36

x 4 20x 3

21

20 < 21

<

Find the LCM of the denominators.

Use the LCM to write equivalent fractions.

Put the fractions in order using the numerators.

Ordering Fractions

Example - Order from Least to Greatest:

3 2 18 5 4

8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48

5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40

4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40

40 40 40

x 5 15x 8

16 x 1010

1/4 < 3/8 < 2/5

Use a visual picture to compare a fraction to what you already know You know where zero, one-half, and one are

on a number line You are also familiar with where one-fourth

and three-fourths are on the number line.

Based on a visual picture of a fraction, place it on a number line.

Another Strategy

Fractions are always parts of a whole

Picture a whole:

Picture what you already know:

Picture the given fraction as compared to what you already know:

Mental Visual Pictures

= 1/2

1/5 … one is less than half of five… so 1/5 would look smaller than the ½ piece

Fractions are always parts of a whole

Picture a whole:

Picture what you already know:

Picture the given fraction as compared to what you already know:

Mental Visual Pictures

= 1/2

1/5 … one is less than half of five… so 1/5 would look smaller than the ½ piece

You can do this… it just takes practice.

Our brains are powerful tools we can

train to use to our advantage.

Practice Time

Fraction Faction Cards Pairs

Fraction Faction Activity 1-21 Packet provided

In everything we do, our own thoughts can

help us succeed, or they can help us fail.

Maintain a positive attitude.

Catherine Pulsifer