Ordering Fractions

Ordering fraction simply mean arranging fraction either from the smallest to the largest (ascending order) or largest to smallest (descending order).

There are two common methods or ordering fractions.

These are:

Using a common denominator.

Changing fraction to decimals and then ordering.

Ordering Fractions using Common Denominator

Fractions can be compared and ordered by determining their equivalent fractions with the common denominator. Common denominators are created by using common multiples of the two numbers, for example 24 is the least common multiple of 8 and 12.

8 x 3 = 24

12 x 2 = 24

Yet 8 and 12 have several other common multiples, however, 24 is the lowest.

Changing Fractions to Decimals and then Ordering

Conversion of fractions to decimals is another method of ordering fraction.

Example 1

Arrange the following fractions in ascending order.

3/4, 1/2, 4/5, 3/8

Solution

First convert all the fraction to decimals as shown below:

3/4 = 0.75

1/2 = 0.5

4/5 = 0.8

3/8 = 0.375

Since all the fractions have zero in their unit’s digit, compare them by checking the tenths digit.

Now arrange the decimals in descending order

0.8, 0.75, 0.5, 0.375,