Four pupils each read a fraction of a storybook during a reading challenge. Ravi read 7/12 of his book, Sofia read 5/8, Tariq read 2/3 and Mei read 9/16. (a) Write 5/6 and 7/9 each as an equivalent fraction with denominator 18. [1 mark] (b) Which of 5/6 and 7/9 is greater? Use your answers to (a) to explain. [1 mark] (c) Arrange the four names from the greatest fraction read to the least. [3 marks]

FractionsStructured · 5 marks

Four pupils each read a fraction of a storybook during a reading challenge. Ravi read 712 of his book, Sofia read 58, Tariq read 23 and Mei read 916.

Need a hint?

For (c), find a common denominator that 12, 8, 3 and 16 all divide into. Then compare the numerators.

(a) 5/6 = 15/18 because 6 × 3 = 18, so multiply the numerator by 3. 7/9 = 14/18 because 9 × 2 = 18, so multiply the numerator by 2.
(b) 15/18 is greater than 14/18, so 56 is greater than 79.
(c) The denominators 12, 8, 3 and 16 have common multiple 48.
(c) Rewrite: 7/12 = 28/48, 5/8 = 30/48, 2/3 = 32/48, 9/16 = 27/48.
(c) Order the numerators 32 > 30 > 28 > 27, so the order is Tariq, Sofia, Ravi, Mei.

Answer: Tariq, Sofia, Ravi, Mei

Habit

Comparing only the numerators or only the denominators ignores the size of the whole pieces, so the order comes out wrong.