use common denominators to compare fractions
When comparing fractions with different denominators, you can find a common denominator by identifying the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. Once you have found a common denominator, you can rewrite each fraction with the common denominator and then compare the numerators.
For example, let's compare the fractions 2/3 and 1/4:
The denominators are 3 and 4. The LCM of 3 and 4 is 12.
Now, rewrite each fraction with a denominator of 12:
2/3 = 8/12 (since 3 x 4 = 12, multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/3 by 4)
1/4 = 3/12 (since 4 x 3 = 12, multiply the numerator and denominator of 1/4 by 3)
Now that both fractions have a common denominator of 12, we can compare the numerators:
8/12 > 3/12
Therefore, 2/3 is greater than 1/4.