To compare fractions you can draw a picture or use

the “Butterfly” method.

4

3

6

5<

Draw a picture Use >, <, or =.

Use >, <, or =.

5

33

29 10<

<

“Butterfly” method

Use >, <, or =.

10

34

112 10>

>

“Butterfly” method

To order fractions you can draw a picture or

use the Least Common Denominator (LCD).

4

3

6

5

Draw a pictureOrder :

least to greatest

2

1

4

32

1

6

5

Order the fractions from least to greatest.

, ,

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.

3

2,

9

5,

12

7,

6

1

Use LCD

Step 1: Find the LCM of the denominators

3

2,

9

5,

12

7,

6

1

6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48…

LCD = 36

Find the LCD:

12, 24, 36, 48 …

9, 18, 27, 36, 45 …

3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24,

27, 30, 33, 36 …

Step 2: Write equivalent fractions.

6

1

36x 6

x 6 6 12

736x 3

x 3 21

9

536x 4

x 4 20 3

236x 12

x 1224

G LStep 3: Compare the numerators

6

1

36 6

12

73621

9

53620

3

23624

Use LCD

In order from greatest to least:

6

1,

9

5,

12

7,

3

2