1. Comparing Fractions

2. With the Same Denominator
If two fractions have the same denominator, then the one with the largest numerator is the largest fraction. Example 4 5 > < 12 7

3. With Numerator Equal to 1
If fractions all have a numerator of 1, then the one with the smallest denominator is the largest. Example 1 4 > < 1 3

4. In General
If the denominators are all different and the numerators are not all 1 then the task is to work with equivalent fractions. These equivalent fractions will all have the same denominator. Lowest common multiples will be used.

5. Example
Which is larger 4 5 or 5 7 ? What is the LCM for 5 and 7? 35

6. 4 5 = 28 35 5 7 = 25 35 So it is easy to see now that 4 5 > 5 7 by 3 35