Comparing and Ordering Fractions

You cannot compare fractions directly when the denominators are different. $\frac{3}{5}$ and $\frac{2}{3}$ have different-sized pieces, so the numerators alone do not tell you which is larger.

Convert both fractions so they share a common denominator. The LCM of the two denominators is the most efficient choice.

Once the denominators match, the fraction with the larger numerator is the larger fraction. On the fraction wall you can check visually: whichever bar stretches further is bigger.

Click segments in different rows and compare where the right edges fall. The segment that reaches further to the right represents the larger fraction.

Watch it work

Question: Put these fractions in order from smallest to largest: $\frac{3}{4}$, $\frac{2}{3}$, $\frac{5}{6}$.

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