UNIT 3.2: Comparing and ordering fractions and decimals
Last section, you learned how to convert fractions into decimals (and vice-versa). In this lesson, you will compare and order numbers. By ordering numbers, we are able to determine which numbers are bigger, smaller, the biggest, etc.
In order to compare, it is important that all the numbers being compared are of the same type, or written in the same format. That means, to compare a group of numbers, they all should be converted into decimals, OR into fractions.
Here are the notes of what we did in class:
In order to compare, it is important that all the numbers being compared are of the same type, or written in the same format. That means, to compare a group of numbers, they all should be converted into decimals, OR into fractions.
Here are the notes of what we did in class:
7e_unit_3.2.pdf | |
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When it comes to comparing fractions, remember:
- The easiest strategy: Find and compare the decimals (divide the numerator by the denominator) . CONSIDER THIS!
- When fractions have the same denominator, the higher the numerator, the higher the fraction is (the higher the decimal).
- When fractions have different denominators, it is necessary we make all fractions comparable by finding the COMMON MULTIPLE DENOMINATOR, and multiplying each denominator (and its numerator) by a number which makes said denominator the common multiple denominator.
- REMEMBER: Whatever you do to the bottom, you do to the top!
EXAMPLES
2/3, 3/3, 7/3 all have the same denominator. But because 7 > 3 > 2, we can say that
7/3 > 3/3 > 2/3
To compare 4/5 and 7/4, two fractions with different denominators, we must find the common denominator of 5 and 4. This is 20.
So: 4 x (4)/ 5 x (4) = 16 / 20
7 x (5)/ 4 x (5) = 35/20
Then, because 35 > 16, we can say that 35/20 > 16/20
2/3, 3/3, 7/3 all have the same denominator. But because 7 > 3 > 2, we can say that
7/3 > 3/3 > 2/3
To compare 4/5 and 7/4, two fractions with different denominators, we must find the common denominator of 5 and 4. This is 20.
So: 4 x (4)/ 5 x (4) = 16 / 20
7 x (5)/ 4 x (5) = 35/20
Then, because 35 > 16, we can say that 35/20 > 16/20
The following video explains how to compare and order decimals:
Here is another great video. Make sure you watch it, and please let me know if you have any questions:
Let's practice! do the following worksheets, making sure you compare your answers to the answers here presented.
1. Comparing Fractions
7e_3.2_comparing_fractions_worksheet_1.pdf | |
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7e_3.2_comparing_fractions_worksheet_2.pdf | |
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2. comparing and ordering decimals
7e_3.2_comparing_decimals_worksheet_1.pdf | |
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7e_3.2_comparing_decimals_worksheet_2.pdf | |
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3. comparing fractions and decimals
7e_3.2_comparing_fractions_and_decimals_worksheet_1.pdf | |
File Size: | 3035 kb |
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7e_3.2_comparing_fractions_and_decimals_worksheet_2.pdf | |
File Size: | 980 kb |
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online review
This website is an online review site you can use to challenge yourself. Try to better your time every time you try it. Focus on the following two activities. Good luck!
Using the Number Line to Compare Decimals, Fractions, and Whole Numbers
Click on the following link for a website that explains rather well, and where you could practice, how to use number lines to order and compare fractions and decimals.
extra practice
Hopefully by now, and after doing all the worksheets and going through the notes, you have a very good understanding of how to order fractions and decimals. But because practicing is one of the most helpful things we can do in math, I suggest you try the following exercises on your TEXTBOOK (that is, if you have time. I know you are a very busy person!):
- Page 88, #1 and 2
- page 89: #3, 4, 5, 6 and 10