Pre-Algebra Demystified

Comparing Fractions

To compare two or more fractions:

 Step 1 Find the LCD of the fractions.

 Step 2 Change the fractions to higher terms using the LCD.

 Step 3 Compare the numerators.

EXAMPLE

Which is larger:^38 or^47?

SOLUTION

3

8

¼

21

56

and

4

7

¼

32

56

Since 32 is larger than 21, the fraction^47 is larger than^38.

PRACTICE

Which is larger:

1.

11

16

or

5

8

?

2.

2

5

or

3

7

?

3.

7

10

or

3

4

4.

8

9

or

5

6

?

5.

3

8

or

2

3

?

ANSWERS

1.

11

16

2.

3

7

3.

3

4

74 CHAPTER 4 Fractions: Part 2