Comparing and Ordering Fractions

If Fractions have similar Denominators

•  The fraction with the smaller numerator is smaller.
•  The fraction with the larger numerator is larger.

If Fractions have similar Numerators

•   The fraction with the smaller denominator is larger.
•  The fraction with the larger denominator is smaller.

Note:

There are instances that the fractions to be compared have different denominators.The conditions above cannot be applied. Below are the steps to be considered:

If Fractions have unlike Denominators

•  Find the least common denominator (LCD).
•   Convert the fractions into equivalent fractions with the LCD.
•  Since the fractions have similar denominators, compare the numerators.