Four seedlings in a science experiment each grew a fraction of the height they were expected to reach. Basil grew 34, Mint grew 56, Thyme grew 710 and Sage grew 815. Arrange the four seedlings from the one that grew the least to the one that grew the most.
Need a hint?
Write all four fractions with the same denominator first, then compare the numerators.
Worked answer
- Find the common denominator: the LCM of 4, 6, 10 and 15 is 60.
- Convert: 34 = 4560, 56 = 5060, 710 = 4260, 815 = 3260.
- Compare the numerators: 32 < 42 < 45 < 50.
- So the order from least to most is Sage, Thyme, Basil, Mint.
Answer: Sage, Thyme, Basil, Mint
The mistake this question tests
Habit
Left out the units
Comparing only the numerators (3, 5, 7, 8) ignores that the denominators differ, so the order is not correct.
How to fix it at home →More PSLE fractions questions
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See the answer →Practise PSLE fractions until the mistakes stop.
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