1. Ordering fractions
We can order numbers fairly easily. E.g.

2. Ordering fractions
becomes this
(if ordered smallest largest)

3. Ordering fractions
Fractions are ordered the same way

4. Ordering fractions
If the DENOMINATOR is the same, look at the NUMERATORS, and put the fractions in order.
(if ordered smallest largest)

5. Ordering fractions
If the DENOMINATOR is the different, we have a problem that must be dealt with differently.
We need to convert our fractions to EQUIVALENT fractions of the same DENOMINATOR. We will come back to this example.

6. Ordering fractions
If the DENOMINATOR is the different, we have a problem that must be dealt with differently.
4 3
6 9
Here’s an easier example, with just 2 fractions to start us off.

7. Ordering fractions
Look at the denominators. We must look for a COMMON MULTIPLE.
4 3
6 9
This means that we check to see which numbers are in the 6 times table, and the 9 times table. We need a number that appears in both lists.

8. Ordering fractions
Look at the denominators. We must look for a COMMON MULTIPLE.
Multiples of 6 are
6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60……
Multiples of 9 are
9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90……

9. Ordering fractions
COMMON MULTIPLES are:
Multiples of 6 are
6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60……
Multiples of 9 are
9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54……

10. Ordering fractions
COMMON MULTIPLES are:
18, 36 and 54. There are others that are higher, but we only look at smaller numbers.
Remember: Smaller numbers are SIMPLER.
18 is the smallest number that is common, so we’ll use this.

11. Ordering fractions
We need to convert these fractions so they have the same denominator. 4
x 3 ?
x 3 6 18

12. Ordering fractions
We need to convert these fractions so they have the same denominator. 4
x 3 12
x 3 6 18

13. Ordering fractions
We need to convert these fractions so they have the same denominator. 3
x 2 ?
x 2 9 18

14. Ordering fractions
We need to convert these fractions so they have the same denominator. 3
x 2 6
x 2 9 18

15. Ordering fractions
So these fractions:
4 3
6 9
Are EQUIVALENT to these ones: 6 12 18 18

16. Because these EQUIVALENT FRACTIONS are in order
Ordering fractions
And this is the correct order
3 4
9 6
Because these EQUIVALENT FRACTIONS are in order 12 6 18 18

17. Ordering fractions
Remember our example
The LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR is 24 – check for all the multiples of the DENOMINATORS. 24 is the first number to appear in all the lists.

18. Ordering fractions
Convert to 24ths
The LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR is 24 – check for all the multiples of the DENOMINATORS. 24 is the first number to appear in all the lists.

19. Ordering fractions
Convert to 24ths
2nd 4th 5th 1st 3rd
This tells you how large our fractions are. Check which order they go in.

20. Ordering fractions
Convert to 24ths
2nd 4th 5th 1st 3rd
This tells you how large our fractions are. Check which order they go in.

21. Ordering fractions
So this is the correct order

22. Ordering Fractions 2
If we want to order fractions, we need to make sure our working out is clear.
For every question, please use the following method.
We look for a COMMON MULTIPLE.

23. Ordering Fractions 2
Look at the DENOMINATORS. What are the MULTIPLES?

24. Ordering Fractions 2
9: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, …
12: 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, …
6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 48, …
4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36,…

25. Ordering Fractions 2
Use 36 as the COMMON DENOMINATOR.

26. Ordering Fractions 2

27. Ordering Fractions 2
Find the number that you need to multiply the DENOMINATORS by to get 36.
x 4
x 3
x 6
x 9

28. Ordering Fractions 2
Multiply the NUMERATORS by the same amount as you multiplied the DENOMINATORS
x 4
x 3
x 6
x 9

29. Ordering Fractions 2
x 4
x 3
x 6
x 9

30. Decide which order the fractions need to be in.
Ordering Fractions 2
Decide which order the fractions need to be in.
x 4
x 3
x 6
x 9
2nd
3rd
1st
4th

31. Ordering Fractions 2 5 7 3 3 9 12 6 4 putting them in order…
putting them in order…
x 4
x 3
x 6
x 9 2 3 1 4

32. Ordering Fractions 2 Now convert them back… 5 7 3 3 9 12 6 4
x 4
x 3
x 6
x 9 2 3 1 4

33. Ordering Fractions 2 and the final answer… 5 7 3 3 9 12 6 4
x 4
x 3
x 6
x 9 2 3 1 4