Flashcard 14 - Math Flashcard Set for the CBEST

For fractions with the same denominators, directly compare numerators.

For fractions with unlike denominators, convert to fractions with common denominators and compare numerators.

For numbers in decimal form, compare place values of decimals.

Compare fractions with the same denominators by comparing numerators:

\(\frac{4}{5}\) > \(\frac{2}{5}\) because 4 is greater than 2.

Compare fractions with unlike denominators by first converting the fractions into fractions with common denominators:

\(\frac{3}{4}\) and \(\frac{4}{5}\), we can convert them using the common denominator of 20.
To convert \(\frac{3}{4}\), divide 20 by the denominator 4 then multiply with the numerator 3 (20/4 = 5 \(\cdot\) 3 = 15).
The new numerator is 15, and the new denominator is 20, resulting in a fraction \(\frac{15}{20}\) which is actually the same as \(\frac{3}{4}\).
Do the same procedure to convert the fraction \(\frac{4}{5}\) and you will get \(\frac{16}{20}\).
Now compare the numerators, and find that:
\(\frac{15}{20}\) < \(\frac{16}{20}\).

Compare numbers in decimal form by comparing place values:
1.005 < 1.050 because the hundredths place in 1.005 is 0, while the hundredths place in 1.050 is 5.