Page 189 - Math Smart - 7

When comparing fractions that have the same numerator but different
denominators, we compare the denominators.

• The smaller the denominator, the greater the fraction.
• The greater the denominator, the smaller the fraction.

Example 2

ascending
in
Arrange ^ and | bar diagrams to help you.
Use
order.
'ascending' means 'from
Solution smallest to biggest'.
Write each fraction as an equivalent fraction with 12 as the denominator. 'descending' means 'from
biggest to smallest'.
A
12
3_
12
_2_
12

From the diagram, we can see that

So, writing the fractions in ascending order, we get; 5.4.3-

To compare unlike fractions, find the lowest common multiple (LCM) of the two
denominators to find equivalent fractions for each fraction with the LCM as the
denominator.

Example 3

Which of the fractions, ^ and 11 is the smallest? Which is the greatest?

Solution

Write the fractions as like fractions.
^ _3_ 3X2 _ _6_ 4 _ 4X4 16 The LCM of 10 and 5
10~10x2~ 20 5 "4X4 20
is 20.

2- We compare ^ ^ and

^ has the smallest numerator.

So, is the smallest fraction.

^ has the greatest numerator.

So, I is the greatest fraction.