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Compare mixed and improper fractions

Compare mixed and improper fractions with changed denominators

This math skill involves comparing mixed and improper fractions by first converting them to have common denominators. Then, both fractions are converted into improper fractions in order to determine which is greater.

Learn compare mixed and improper fractions

Teaching Transcript

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Which of these fractions is larger?

To compare these fractions, we'll need to do two steps. First we'll change them so they have a common denominator. Then we'll make them both improper fractions. The lowest common multiple of our denominators is 12.

We can convert 3 quarters to twelfths by multiplying top and bottom by 3. That makes it 9 twelfths.

Let's leave the left side as 3 and 9 twelfths for a moment. On the right side we can convert 11 thirds to twelfths by multiplying top and bottom by 4. So we have 44 twelfths.

Now let's come back for the 3 wholes. 3 wholes is 36 twelfths.

Adding 36 to 9 will give us an improper fraction on the left side

Now we are comparing 45 twelfths to 44 twelfths and we can see the the left side is greater than the right side.

Skill Practice

Compare mixed and improper fractions with changed denominators

Test your understanding of compare mixed and improper fractions by practicing it! Work through the below exercises to use it in practice.