Jan 062012
On the SAT Exam, many questions involve the comparison of two fractions and the determination of which fraction is larger.
•When comparing fractions, use the following rules:
–If two fractions have the same denominator, the fraction with the greater numerator is the larger one.
•Example: 6/13 > 1/13
–If two fractions have the same numerator, the fraction with the greater denominator is the smaller one.
•Example: 3/8 < 3/4
–If two fractions have different numerators and denominators, convert both to decimals and compare the decimals. To write a fraction as a decimal, use a calculator to divide the denominator of the fraction into the numerator.
•Example: 1/2 < 3/4 since 0.50 < 0.75
•Note: When multiplying a decimal by a power of 10, simply move the decimal point one place to the right for each zero in the power of 10.
•Note: When dividing a decimal by a power of 10, simply move the decimal point one place to the left for each zero in the power of 10.