Comparing & Ordering Fractions

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

Draw a picture Use >, <, or =. <

Use >, <, or =. “Butterfly” method 9 < 10 <

“Butterfly” method Use >, <, or =. 12 10 > >

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

Order : least to greatest Draw a picture

Order the fractions from least to greatest. , ,

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

Any common denominator could be used 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

List the fractions in order from greatest to least. Use LCD List the fractions in order from greatest to least.

Step 1: Find the LCM of the denominators Use LCD Step 1: Find the LCM of the denominators

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

6 21 36 36 20 24 36 36 Step 2: Write equivalent fractions. x 6 x 3 x 6

Step 3: Compare the numerators G L 21 6 36 36 24 20 36 36

In order from greatest to least: Use LCD In order from greatest to least: