Page 96 - New Medley 4 Semester 2 PDF (Merged)

Comparing Unlike Fractions with the Same Numerator

If two unlike fractions have the same numerator,
3
the fraction with the smaller denominator is the
4
greater fraction. 3
3 3
Therefore, > as 4 < 5 5
4 5
Comparing Unlike Fractions with Different Numerators

The above two cases give the idea that the fractions
7 5
can be compared easily if either the denominators
12 12
are same or the numerators are same.

Therefore, when we compare two or more unlike fractions having different
numerators, we first convert them into like fractions (preferably) and then
compare.

5 7
Example 5: Compare the fractions and .
8 12

Solution: Let us convert these fractions into like fractions using the
idea of equivalent fractions.

LCM of 8 and 12 is 24. 2 8, 12
2 4, 6
LCM = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 = 24
2, 3
5 5×3 15 7 7×2 14
= = ; = =
8 8×3 24 12 12×2 24
15 14 5 7
> , so >
24 24 8 12

Comparing Improper and Mixed Fractions

Step 1: First, convert improper fraction into mixed fraction. The fraction

with the greater whole number is the greater fraction.

Step 2: If the whole numbers are the same, compare their fractional part.
24 22
Example 6: Compare and .
5 7

Solution: First, convert improper fraction into mixed fraction and
then compare.

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