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Year 6 · Maths · Fractions · Lesson 2

Comparing and ordering fractions

Compare and order fractions using common denominators, and convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions.

Whiteboard video lesson: Comparing and ordering fractions

19-minute video lesson

Teaching, worked examples and 20 practice questions solved step by step.

Watch free for a month

What your child will learn

  • Compare fractions with the same numerator or denominator
  • Use common denominators
  • Order fractions
  • Convert mixed numbers and improper fractions

The method

  1. Find a common denominator.
  2. Convert each fraction.
  3. Compare the numerators.
  4. Write the original fractions in order.

Key words: compare, common denominator, mixed number, improper fraction, order.

Worked examples

The first three practice questions from the lesson, with every step.

Question 1

Write <, > or = between 4/9 and 7/9.

  1. Step 1: Same denominator: compare numerators.
  2. Step 2: 4/9 < 7/9

Answer: 4/9 < 7/9

Question 2

Write <, > or = between 3/5 and 3/8.

  1. Step 1: Same numerator: smaller denominator = bigger fraction.
  2. Step 2: 3/5 > 3/8

Answer: 3/5 > 3/8

Question 3

Write <, > or = between 2/3 and 3/4.

  1. Step 1: Common denominator 12: 2/3 = 8/12, 3/4 = 9/12
  2. Step 2: 2/3 < 3/4

Answer: 2/3 < 3/4