Ordering Fractions Calculator
Calculator Use
Compare and order fractions, integers, mixed numbers and decimals in ascending or descending order. Order fractions from least to greatest or from greatest to least.
How to Order Fractions, Integers and Mixed Numbers
To compare and order fractions we must first convert all integers, mixed numbers (mixed fractions) and fractions into values that we can compare. We do this by first converting all terms into fractions, finding the least common denominator (LCD), then rewriting each term as an equivalent fraction with the LCD. Then we compare the numerators of each fraction and put them in correct order from least to greatest or greatest to least.
Steps to compare and order fractions, integers and mixed numbers
- Convert integers and mixed numbers to improper fractions
- Find the least common denominator LCD of all the fractions
- Rewrite fractions as equivalent fractions using the LCD
- Order the new fractions by the numerator
- Match original inputs to the ordered fractions to see the final order
Example using this calculator default inputs
Input: 2, 3/4, 9/12, 3 5/8, -12/16 and order from least to greatest
- Convert integers and mixed numbers to improper fractions
• 3/4, 9/12 and -12/16 are proper fractions so we can use those as they are written
• 2 in fraction form is 2/1
• Convert 3 5/8 to an improper fraction. Multiply the whole number 3 by the denominator 8 to get 24. Add 24 to the numerator 5 to get 29/8.
So 3 5/8 = 29/8.
• All inputs as fractions: 2/1, 3/4, 9/12, 29/8, -12/16 - Find the least common denominator: LCD of 1, 4, 8, 12, 16 is 48
- Rewrite the input fractions as equivalent fractions using the
LCD
• 2, 3/4, 9/12, 3 5/8, -12/16 become:
• 96/48, 36/48, 36/48, 174/48, -36/48 - Order these fractions from least to greatest numerator
• -36/48 < 36/48 = 36/48 < 96/48 < 174/48 - Place the original fractions in the same order as their equivalents
• -12/16 < 3/4 = 9/12 < 2 < 3 5/8
Related Calculators
To find which fraction is bigger and which is smaller see the Comparing Fractions Calculator.
To add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions see the Fractions Calculator.
For addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on mixed numbers and fractions see the Mixed Numbers Calculator.
To simplify a fraction to lowest terms see the Simplifying Fractions Calculator.