1. Lesson 3 Comparing Fractions

2. Rule for Comparing Two Fractions To compare two fractions, both fractions must have the same denominator. (The same denominator is called a common denominator). You can also change them both to decimals.

3. Example Compare 2/3 and 3/5 Strategy 1: Find a common denominator and write equal fractions.

4. Step 1: Find the lowest common denominator. The prime factorization of 3 is 3 and the prime factorization of 5 is 5. The LCD is 3 x 5 or 15 Step 2: Write equal fractions. 2/3 x 5/5 = 10/15 and 3/5 x 3/3 = 9/15. Step 3: Compare the numerators of the equal fractions; 10 > 9, so 10/15 > 9/15.

5. Solution 2/3 > 3/5