Order Fractions with Related Denominators

In this activity, we will learn how to order fractions whose denominators are all multiples of the same number.

We will not be converting the fractions to decimals but will use the idea of equivalent fractions.

Remember to multiply or divide the top number (numerator) and the bottom number (denominator) of a fraction by the same number to change it to an equivalent fraction.

Example

Place these fractions in increasing order: 

Answer

We look for the smallest number that 6, 3 and 9 go into.

This will be 18, so we change all the fractions into 18ths.

We multiply both the numerator and denominator of 3/6 by 3:

We multiply both the numerator and denominator of 2/3 by 6:

We multiply both the numerator and denominator of 5/9 by 2:

Then we can place the fractions in increasing order.

So the answer is:

Does that make sense?

Now it's time to try some of these yourself.