Topic: Number Theory

1. Lesson 1

2. Topic: Computation

3. Sub-topic/s:

 Ascending and Descending Order of Fractions

4. Rationale:
These topics aim for you to understand the ascending and descending order of fractions. This is
important for you to learn because you will be able to learn and apply the many uses of fractions
in the real world and immediate surroundings.

5. Objectives: After reading a handout on the three sets of numbers, you will be able to:
C- Define and explain what is meant by arranging fractions in ascending and descending order.
A- Appreciate importance of ascending and descending order of fraction.
P- Arrange the set of fractions in ascending and descending order with 95% accuracy.

6. Activities:
 Read the handout on ascending and descending order of fraction.
 Highlight or underline with a pen, important information in the handout
 Complete the practice exercise on the handout itself.
 Complete the worksheet ascending and descending order of fraction.

7. Resources: You will need

1. 1. Pen, pencil, eraser, marker/highlighter

8. Glossary of important terms

Ascending – increasing in size or importance.
Descending – moving or sloping downwards.
Denominator – The number on the bottom of the fraction and it shows the number of equal
parts, where the whole is divided into.
Numerator – The numerator is the number on the top of the fraction, and it shows the number of
the parts we are considering.

9. Information Sheet: Handout/s

 Ascending Order

When the fractions are arranged from the smallest fraction to the largest fraction, those fractions
are said to be in an ascending order.
Ascending order of fractions is arranged fractions from smallest to largest fraction.

 Descending Order

When the fractions are arranged from the largest to the smallest fraction, those fractions are said
to be in descending order.
Descending order of fractions is arranged fractions from largest to smallest fraction.

10. Example/s with answers.

Ascending order of fractions.

Example 1: Arranging the following fractions in ascending order.
7 9 5 8
, , ,
16 16 16 16
Solution:
If the DENOMINATOR is the same, look at the NUMERATORS, and put the
fractions in order of smallest to the biggest.
5 7 8 9 5 7 8 9
, , ,   
Answer: 16 16 16 16 or 16 16 16 16

 Now let’s represent the solution by using the shaded parts in the given figures
below.

5 7 8 9
16 < 16 < 16 < 16
 Example 2:
Place the following fraction below in ascending order.
1 1 3 7
, , ,
2 3 4 8
Solution:
In the problem above indicates fraction with unlike denominators, hence we need to find a
common denominator. We need to convert our fractions to EQUIVALENT fractions of the same
DENOMINATOR.
Let’s solve
We will need to find the lowest common denominator
The table on the left indicates how to find the lowest
2 2 8 3 4 common denominator (LCM) of the fractions. Place all
2 1 4 3 2 the denominator 2,8,3 and 4 across then divide by the
2 1 2 3 1 prime numbers beginning from the smallest prime
number 2. Then used 2 until it is exhausted then move
3 1 1 3 1 on to the other prime number. Remember you will
1 1 1 1 need to divide until all number is one at the bottom.

LCM = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 = 24
Now let’s arrange the fractions using 24 as common denominator
Here you will need to
1 7 1 3
Step1 divide the
2, 8, 3, 4 denominator into the
common denominator
24 then the product is
multiplied to the
Step2 1 12 3 7 8 1 63 numerator of the
24 , 24 , 24 , 24 fraction.

Step3 12 21 8 18
24 , 24 , 24 , 24

Now let’s arrange the fractions in ascending order (small to big).

8 12 18 21 1 1 3 7 1 1 3 7
24 , 24 , 24 , 24 which is the same as 3 , 2 , 4 , 8 or 3< 2< 4< 8

Answer
 1 1 3 7 1 1 3 7
3 , 2 , 4 , 8 or 3 < 2 < 4 < 8
Descending order of fractions.
Example 1: Arranging the following fractions in descending order.
7 9 5 8
, , ,
16 16 16 16
Solution:
If the DENOMINATOR is the same, look at the NUMERATORS, and put the
fractions in order of biggest to smallest.
9 8 7 5 9 8 7 5
, , ,   
Answer: 16 16 16 16 or 16 16 16 16

 Now let’s represent the solution by using the shaded parts in the given figures
below.

9 8 7 5
16 > 16 > 16 > 16

Example 2:
Place the following fraction below in descending order.
1 1 3 7
, , ,
2 3 4 8
Solution:
In the problem above indicates fraction with unlike denominators, hence we need to find a
common denominator. We need to convert our fractions to EQUIVALENT fractions of the same
DENOMINATOR.
Let’s solve
The table on the left indicates how to find the lowest
2 2 8 3 4 common denominator (LCM) of the fractions. Place all
the denominator 2,8,3 and 4 across then divide by the
2 1 4 3 2
prime numbers beginning from the smallest prime
2 1 2 3 1 number 2. Then used 2 until it is exhausted then move
3 1 1 3 1 on to the other prime number. Remember you will
1 1 1 1 need to divide until all number is one at the bottom.
LCM = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 = 24
Now let’s arrange the fractions using 24 as common denominator
1 7 1 3 Here you will need to
2, 8, 3, 4 divide the
denominator into the
common denominator
24 then the product is
1 12 3 7 8 1 63 multiplied to the
24 , 24 , 24 , 24 numerator of the
fraction.

12 21 8 18
24 , 24 , 24 , 24

Now let’s arrange the fractions in descending order (big to small).

21 18 12 8
24 , 24 , 24 , 24

7 3 1 1 7 3 1 1
which is the same as 8 , 4 , 2 , 3 or 8 > 4 > 2 > 3

Therefore,

7 3 1 1 7 3 1 1
Answer
8, 4, 2, 3 or 8 > 4 > 2 > 3
Practice Activity #1: Next page
Practice Activity #2:

12. Summary:
13. Assessment/s: Assignment

First Form Numeracy Assignment #3 (TO BE RETURNED)

Name: _______________________
Class: _______________________
Date: ________________________
Total points: ____/15
Read each statement carefully and show all working out to gain full marks.
5 3 9 8
, , and
1. Given the equivalent fractions 12 12 12 12 arrange them in ascending order. (2 pts.)

18 13 15 21
, , and
2. Number the like fractions 25 25 25 25 in descending order. (2 pts.)
 5 1 7 3
, , and
3. Given the equivalent fractions 9 9 9 9 and using shaded parts, arrange the
following fractions:

a. In ascending order (3 pts.)

b. In descending order (3 pts.)

1 2 7 3
, , and
4. Arrange the following fractions: 2 3 10 5
a. In ascending order (2.5 pts.)

b. In descending order (2.5 pts.)