Ordering fractions involves sorting fractions in a sequence from smallest to largest or conversely. It’s a method that helps compare and organize fractions based on their numerical values. One can decide whether the fraction is greater or smaller than another by understanding the idea of ordering fractions.
This article will cover the following important points:
- Definition
- Types of ordering fraction
- Ways to order fraction
- Examples of ordering fraction
We must have a basic understanding of the Fraction before delving into the ordering fraction.
Table of Contents
Understanding of Fraction:
Fractions represent parts of a whole, showing a numerator (top number) as the part considered and a denominator (bottom number) as the total parts. They express division which indicates how many parts of the whole are involved.
What is Ordering Fractions?
Ordering fractions indicates sorting a set of fractions in a specific order most commonly from least to greatest (ascending order) or from greatest to least (descending order). This arrangement is based on their numerical values which consider both the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number) of each fraction.
Classification of Ordering Fraction:
Ordering fractions involves sorting fractions in a sequence based on their numerical values. Fractions can be classified or ordered in two ways:
- Ascending Order:
- Descending Order:
1. Ascending Order:
This arrangement places fractions from the smallest value to the largest value. Compare their numerical values and place them accordingly to order fractions in ascending order.
2. Descending Order:
This arrangement places fractions from the largest value to the smallest value. Compare the numerical values of the fractions and arrange them in decreasing order starting with the highest fraction and working your way down to the smallest.
Ways to order fractions:
There are several methods to order fractions. Some significant are the following:
- Cross-Multiplication Method
- Common Denominator Method
- Number Line Method
- Conversion to Decimals
1. Method of Cross-Multiplication:
The method is a technique used to compare and order fractions without finding a common denominator. Here are the steps to order fractions using this method:
Step 1: Write down the fractions in the order we want to compare (from least to greatest or greatest to least).
Step 2: Cross-multiply the fractions by multiplying the numerator of the first fraction with the denominator of the second fraction, and then multiply the numerator of the second fraction with the denominator of the first fraction.
Step 3: Compare the products obtained from the cross-multiplication.
Step 4: Arrange the fractions in the desired order based on the comparisons made in Step 4.
Step 5: If needed, simplify the fractions or convert them to a common denominator after ordering.
2. Method of Common Denominator:
The common denominator method can also be used to order fractions from least to greatest or greatest to least. Here are the steps to order fractions using this method:
Step 1: Identify the fractions you want to order.
Step 2: Find a common denominator for all the fractions involved.
Step 3: Rewrite each fraction using the common denominator obtained in Step 2.
Step 4: Compare the numerators to determine the order once all fractions have the same denominator.
Step 5: Arrange the fractions in the desired order based on the comparisons made in Step 4.
3. Number Line Method:
Represent fractions on a number line and place them according to their values. This visual method aids in understanding the relative positions of fractions.
4. Conversion to Decimals:
Convert fractions to decimal form. It allows for easy comparison and ordering using decimal values.
Solved Examples of Ordering fractions:
Below are a few examples of order fractions.
Example 1:
Order the fractions 2 / 5, 3 /4, and 1 / 2 in ascending order
Solution: Common Denominator Method
Step 1: Find the common denominator by LCM which is 20:
Step 2: Rewrite all fractions using a common denominator.
2 × 4 / 5 × 4 = 8 / 20
3 × 5/ 4 × 5 = 15 / 20
1 × 10 / 2 × 10 = 10 / 20
Step 3: Arrange the fractions in the desired order
Therefore, in ascending order: 2 / 5 < 1 / 2 < 3 / 4.
Example 2: Cross- Multiplication Method
Arrange 5/ 6, 4 /9, and 2/3 in descending order
Solution:
Multiply the numerators of one fraction by the denominators of others.
Comparing 5 / 6 and 4 / 9:
5 × 9 = 45 vs. 4 × 6 = 24
Comparing 5/6 and 2/3:
5 × 3 = 15 vs. 2× 6 = 12
Therefore, in descending order: 5 / 6 > 2 / 3 > 4 / 9
Example 3: Number line Method
Order 7 / 8, 5/6, and 9/10 using the number line method.
Solution:
Plot these fractions on a number line from 0 to 9.
7 / 8 would be closer to 1 than 5 / 6, and 5 /6 would be closer to 1 than 9 / 10.
So, in ascending order: 5/6 < 7/8 < 9 / 10.
Example 4:
Arrange 3 /5, 4 / 7, and 5/ 8 in descending order using conversion to decimals.
Solution:
Convert fractions to decimals:
3 / 5 = 0.6, 4 /7 ≈ 0. 5, 5 / 8 = 0.625
Therefore, in descending order: 5 / 8 > 3 / 5 > 4 / 7.
Final words
In this article, we explored ordering. We covered definitions, types, and methods like Common Denominator, Cross-Multiplication, Number Line, and Conversion to Decimals. Through examples, we learned how to order fractions using different methods.
