Ordering Fractions

Ordering Fractions

When ordering fractions you use the same strategies as you do when comparing fractions. You just add a few more fractions to compare. :)

Draw a picture. This strategy can work with smaller fractions, but starts to get complicated with larger fractions. It is also a strategy that can lead to many mistakes, so we have to be very careful with it.

Compare with like denominators. When the denominators are the same, you are comparing the numerator. The larger numerator will be the larger fraction.

Compare with like numerators. When the numerators are the same, you are comparing the denominator. The larger the denominator, the smaller the pieces will be. Therefore, the smaller denominator will give you the larger fraction.

Compare to a benchmark fraction like 1/2. Determine how the fraction relates to ½ and that can help determine the larger or smaller fractions. We have also put them on a number line to help us clearly see how they compare.

Compare missing pieces. The fraction with the smallest piece missing will be the largest fraction.

Change all denominators to a common denominator. This allows kiddos to then compare fractions with like denominators.

Here is a video that show some of these strategies:

Comparing and Ordering Fractions

Follow these links for ways to practice this skill:

Ordering Fractions Practice

Order Fractions

Drag to Order Fractions

Please let me know if you have any questions.