Question

Express the following fractions in descending order:

$\frac{8}{15}$, $\frac{1}{3}$, $\frac{3}{5}$: ___, ___, ___

• A. $\frac{3}{5}$
• B. $\frac{8}{15}$, $\frac{1}{3}$

Answer 1

• Step 1: The least common denominator (LCD) of $3$, $5$ and $15$ is $15$. Make the denominator as $15$ for all the fractions.

$\frac{8}{15}=\frac{8\times 1}{15\times 1}=\frac{8}{15}$;

$\frac{1}{3}=\frac{1\times 5}{3\times 5}=\frac{5}{15}$;

$\frac{3}{5}=\frac{3\times 3}{5\times 3}=\frac{9}{15}$

• Step 2: Now each fraction has the same denominator $15$. Arrange the fractions in descending order by arranging numerators in descending order.

$\frac{9}{15}$, $\frac{8}{15}$, $\frac{5}{15}$

• Hence, the fractions in descending order are $\frac{3}{5}$, $\frac{8}{15}$, $\frac{1}{3}$.