Question

Express the following fractions in ascending order:

$\frac{2}{5}$, $\frac{3}{4}$, $\frac{1}{3}$: ___, ___, ___

• A. $\frac{1}{3}$
• B. $\frac{2}{5}$, $\frac{3}{4}$

Answer 1

• Step 1: The least common denominator (LCD) of $3$, $4$ and $5$ is $60$. Make the denominator as $60$ for all the fractions.

$\frac{2}{5}=\frac{2\times 12}{5\times 12}=\frac{24}{60}$;

$\frac{3}{4}=\frac{3\times 15}{4\times 15}=\frac{45}{60}$;

$\frac{1}{3}=\frac{1\times 20}{3\times 20}=\frac{20}{60}$

• Step 2: Now each fraction has the same denominator $60$. Arrange the fractions in ascending order by arranging numerators in ascending order.

$\frac{20}{60}$, $\frac{24}{60}$, $\frac{45}{60}$

• Hence, the fractions in ascending order are $\frac{1}{3}$, $\frac{2}{5}$, $\frac{3}{4}$.