How do you put fractions in order from least to greatest

How to Order Fractions

In the last lesson, you learned how to compare fractions.

Let's use this knowledge to order fractions, which means sorting them from smallest to largest. 👍

Comparing Fraction Review

There are shortcuts to comparing fractions with like numerators and like denominators.

When 2 fractions have the same numerator, just compare denominators.

The bigger the denominator, the smaller the fraction.

Remember: The bigger the denominator, the more parts the whole is split into, so each piece is smaller.

When 2 fractions have the same denominator, just compare numerators.

The bigger the numerator, the bigger the fraction.

If fractions don't have the same numerator or denominator, find equivalent fractions that have either the same numerator or denominator.

Ordering Fractions with the Same Numerators

When ordering fractions with the same numerators, look at the denominators and compare them 2 at a time.

👉 The fraction with the biggest denominator is the smallest.

Let's look at an example.

Order these fractions from least to greatest:

The fractions have the same numerators, so you just need to compare their denominators.

1/6 has the largest denominator.

This means 1/6 is the smallest fraction. 👍

The larger the denominator, the smaller the fraction.

We've re-arranged the fractions from least to greatest.

Ordering Fractions with the Same Denominators

When ordering fractions with the same denominators, look at the numerators and compare them 2 at a time.

👉 The fraction with the smallest numerator is the smallest.

Let's look at an example.

Order these fractions from least to greatest:

These fractions have the same denominators, so you just need to compare their numerators.

3/8 has the smallest numerator.

This means 3/8is the smallest fraction. 👍

This is how we order these fractions from the least to the greatest:

Ordering Fractions with Different Numerators and Denominators

When ordering fractions with different numerators and denominators, write the fractions as equivalent fractions with like denominators.

Tip: Like means "the same". Unlike means "different".

Let's look at an example.

Order these fractions from least to greatest:

👉 First, find some equivalent fractions for each fraction using multiplication.

👉 Next, pick the equivalent fractions that have the same denominators for all three fractions.

Be careful when picking the equivalent fractions to compare!

Make sure that they all have the same denominators.

8/12, 6/12, and 9/12 have the same denominators.

Now that we've found equivalent fractions with matching denominators, it's easy to compare them!

Just look at the numerators:

👉 The fraction with the smallest numerator is the least.

Can you order these fractions from least to greatest? 🤔

That's right!

When written in order from least to greatest, you have 6/12 < 8/12 < 9/12.

Now we know that...

Great job learning how to order fractions!

Now, complete the practice to master sorting fractions on your own. 💪

How do you put fractions in order from smallest to largest?

How do you put fractions in order?