Question

Express the following fractions in descending order:

$\frac{1}{4}$, $\frac{2}{3}$, $\frac{5}{12}$: ___, ___, ___

• A. $\frac{2}{3}$
• B. $\frac{5}{12}$, $\frac{1}{4}$

Answer 1

• Step 1: The least common denominator (LCD) of $3$, $4$ and $12$ is $12$. Make the denominator as $12$ for all the fractions.

$\frac{1}{4}=\frac{1\times 3}{4\times 3}=\frac{3}{12}$;

$\frac{2}{3}=\frac{2\times 4}{3\times 4}=\frac{8}{12}$;

$\frac{5}{12}=\frac{5\times 1}{12\times 1}=\frac{5}{12}$

• Step 2: Now each fraction has the same denominator $12$. Arrange the fractions in descending order by arranging numerators in descending order.

$\frac{8}{12}$, $\frac{5}{12}$, $\frac{3}{12}$

• Hence, the fractions in descending order are $\frac{2}{3}$, $\frac{5}{12}$, $\frac{1}{4}$.