Comparing and Ordering Fractions: Effective Methods Explained
Learn how to compare and order fractions using visual methods and the Butterfly technique. This guide covers drawing pictures to represent fractions, using symbols to compare them, and applying the Least Common Denominator (LCD) to facilitate ordering. You’ll find step-by-step instructions for converting fractions to equivalent forms, determining the LCD, and organizing fractions from least to greatest or greatest to least. Master these strategies to enhance your understanding of fractions and improve your mathematical skills.
Comparing and Ordering Fractions: Effective Methods Explained
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Comparing & Ordering Fractions
To compare fractions you can draw a picture or use the “Butterfly” method.
Draw a picture Use >, <, or =. <
Use >, <, or =. “Butterfly” method 9 < 10 <
Use >, <, or =. “Butterfly” method 12 10 > >
To order fractions you can draw a picture or use the Least Common Denominator (LCD).
Order : least to greatest Draw a picture
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.
Use LCD Step 1: Find the LCM of the denominators
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. x 6 6 21 x 3 36 36 x 6 x 3 x 4 20 24 x 12 36 36 x 4 x 12
Step 3: Compare the numerators G L 21 6 36 36 24 20 36 36
Use LCD In order from greatest to least: