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.

 One way to find a common denominator is to multiply the two original denominators x 4 = x 4 20 x > 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 , 18, 27, 36, 45 12, 24, 36, 48, x 4 20 x < 21 <

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

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

 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: = 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: = 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.

 Fraction Faction Cards  Pairs  Fraction Faction Activity  1-21  Packet provided