Expert: Pawan Musale - 3/26/2009

Question
write each set of fractions in order from smallest to largest
1/7, 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/3

write two equivalent fractions for
6/8
could you also explain your answer?

Answer
Jey,

Here are answers:

Answer 1:
Numerator for all fractions is 1. Always remember:

Whenever you have to compare fractions where all numerators are 1, simply inverse the numbers. Means only consider the denominators. In this case we will consider denominators 7, 2, 5, 10, 3.
Now you have to arrange the fractions from smallest to largest. So do exactly the reverse (This is very important). Arrange these numbers from largest to smallest. That means 10, 7, 5, 3, 2. Now inverse of all these numbers is in the order from smallest to largest. Means Answer is:

1/10, 1/7, 1/5, 1/3, 1/2 - All these numbers are in the order from smallest to largest.

Please note that this method applies only if all the numerators are 1.

Answer 2:

write two equivalent fractions for
6/8

To write equivalent fractions for given fraction, simply multiply (or divide) BOTH numerator and denominator by same number. In this case, let us multiply your fraction by 2. It becomes (6*2)/(8*2) = 12/16. This is your one of the equivalent fractions.

Now multiply both numerator and denominator by 3. It becomes (6*3)/(8*3) = 18/24. This is your another equivalent fraction.

So two equivalent fractions for 6/8 are 12/16 and 18/24

Regards,
Pawan