How do you compare fractions? To compare fractions you can draw a picture or use the Butterfly method. Draw a picture 3 4
Use >, <, or =. < 5 6 Use >, <, or =. Butterfly method
9 3 5 < < 10
2 3 Use >, <, or =. Butterfly method 12 3 10
> > 10 1 4 To order fractions you
can draw a picture or use the Least Common Denominator (LCD). Draw a picture Order : least to greatest 3 4
1 2 5 6 Order the fractions from least to greatest. 1 2
3 5 , , 4 6 One way to compare or order fractions is to express them with the
same denominator. 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 Use LCD List the fractions in order from greatest to least. 1 7 5 2 , , , 6 12 9 3
Use LCD Step 1: Find the LCM of the denominators 1 7 5 2 , , , 6 12 9 3
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 Step 2: Write equivalent
fractions. 1x 6 6 6 x 6 36 5 x 4 20 9 x 4 36 7 x 3 21
12 x 3 36 2x 12 24 3x 12 36 Step 3: Compare the numerators 1 6
6 36 5 20 9 36 G 7 21 36 12
2 24 36 3 L Use LCD In order from greatest to least:
2 7 5 1 , , , 3 12 9 6
