Comparing Fractions with Unlike Denominators

A fraction represents a part of a whole and is written as $$\frac{a}{b}$$ , where 'a' is the numerator (the part) and 'b' is the denominator (the whole).

Fractions have unlike denominators when the bottom numbers (denominators) are different, making it necessary to find a common denominator to compare or add them.

To compare fractions with unlike denominators, convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator, then compare the numerators.

A common denominator is a number that is a multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions, allowing them to be compared or added.

The least common multiple (LCM) of 7 and 8 is 56. Convert $$\frac{2}{7}$$ to $$\frac{16}{56}$$ and $$\frac{3}{8}$$ to $$\frac{21}{56}$$ .

$$\frac{2}{7} < \frac{3}{8}$$ .

$$\frac{9}{12} = \frac{3}{4}$$ .

Convert to a common denominator: $$\frac{11}{15} = \frac{22}{30}$$ and $$\frac{7}{10} = \frac{21}{30}$$ , so $$\frac{11}{15} > \frac{7}{10}$$ .

$$\frac{7}{8} > \frac{5}{6}$$ .

$$\frac{7}{10} < \frac{4}{5}$$ .