Mathematics
Grade 5
Compare and Order Fractions,
Decimals, and Percents
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Dear Parent or Guardian:
Your son or daughter is currently learning how to place whole
numbers, fractions, and decimals in order. Here is your chance to
help him or her practice this important skill.
In this PAL Packet you will find a short activity for you and your
son or daughter to do. Please do the activity and The Back Page
this evening. Then sign your name on The Back Page and have your
son or daughter return it tomorrow.
Thanks for your help.
Sincerely,
_________________________
Your son or daughter’s teacher
Grade 5 – Compare and Order Fractions,
Decimals, and Percents
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
1
Last printed 9/7/04
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COMPARING AND ORDERING WHOLE NUMBERS,
FRACTIONS, AND DECIMALS
Parent Pointer —
We use whole numbers, fractions, and decimals when measuring objects
with a tool such as a ruler. If a pencil is six and one-half inches long,
1
we can write the measurement as 6 inches and 6.5 inches.
2
Songwriters must have an understanding of fractions so that they can
arrange whole notes, quarter notes, half notes, eighth notes, and
sixteenth notes in a particular order so that a song has the right
rhythm.
Math In the Home, On the Go, and For the Fun of It —
DIRECTIONS: Take a look at the Comparing and Ordering reference
page to review the concepts of comparing and ordering whole numbers,
fractions, and decimals. On the What Is the Order? page, practice
ordering numbers by placing the correct symbol between the numbers.
On the Measure Up! page, measure objects around your apartment or
house, and record the measurement in fraction and decimal formats.
Then, write the numbers from least to greatest and greatest to least.
Talk About It —
After you have finished the activity, turn to The Back Page to show
what you know.
Now go have some fun with the activity! (
Grade 5 – Compare and Order Fractions,
Decimals, and Percents
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
2
Last printed 9/7/04
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COMPARING AND ORDERING
When comparing fractions and decimals, change the decimals to
fractions so that they can be compared easily.
To change a decimal to a fraction, look at the numbers to the right
of the decimal point. Look at where each number is placed according to
its place-value position to determine what number is to be placed in the
denominator. When you have done that, be sure to simplify the
fraction.
35
7
2
1
55
11
=
0.2 =
=
1.55 = 1
=
0.35 =
100 20
10
5
100 20
You can find the common denominator among fractions to place them in
order.
1
2
4
6
3
9
The denominators are 9, 6, and 3.
List the multiples for each number.
9: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45
6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36
3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21
To compare the fractions, change all the denominators to 18.
8
1
3
3
2 6 12
4 2
=
×
=
×
=
×
6 3 18
3 6 18
9 2 18
When fractions have the same denominator, the fraction with the
smallest numerator is the least and the fraction with the greater
numerator is the greatest.
Least to greatest:
3
8
12
1
2
4
Write as original fractions:
18 18 18
6
9 3
Greatest to least:
12
8
3
2 4
1
!
!
Write as original fractions:
!
!
18 18 18
3
9 6
Grade 5 – Compare and Order Fractions,
Decimals, and Percents
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
3
Last printed 9/7/04
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WHAT IS THE ORDER?
Cut out the < and > symbols below to use to show which
fractions and decimals are greater or less than the other fractions or
decimals. Remember to change the decimals to fractions. When you
see a mixed fraction, change it to an improper fraction before you find
the common denominator. Example: to determine which is greater or
1
1
less for the mixed fractions 4 and 3 , multiply each denominator by
8
6
the whole number, then add the numerator to get the improper
33
19
99 76
1
1
and
which becomes
, so 4 ! 3 .
fractions
8
6
24 24
8
6
<
<
<
>
>
>
<
<
<
>
>
>
1
16
3
8
1
2
3
4
1.12
.1
0.18
0.02
1
2
1
4
0.10
.05
1
10
Grade 5 – Compare and Order Fractions,
Decimals, and Percents
0.18
0.35
1
4
10
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
4
Last printed 9/7/04
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MEASURE UP!
Use the cut-out ruler to measure items around your apartment or
house. In the table below, record the measurement in inches and write
the fraction and decimal for each measurement, if there are any.
After you and your parent or guardian have measured four items, write
the fraction and decimal measurements from least to greatest and
greatest to least.
1
2
Item
Example: Width of
a book
3
4
Measurement in
a Fraction
1
1
inches
2
6
5
Measurement in
a Decimal
1.5 inches
Least to Greatest: ________________________________
Greatest to Least: ________________________________
Grade 5 – Compare and Order Fractions,
Decimals, and Percents
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
5
Last printed 9/7/04
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The Back Page
Talk About It
Parent —
Ask your son or daughter the following question:
9What do you need to know to order whole numbers,
fractions, and decimals?
Student —
Answer the above question in a complete sentence on the
bottom of this page.
OR
Do one of the following activities (use the back side of
this page if needed):
9
Write a list of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
from least to greatest. Draw a picture that
represents each number.
9
Look at the measuring cups and measuring spoons in
your kitchen. Write all the measurements from least
to greatest and greatest to least.
__________________________ __________________________
Student’s Name
Parent or Guardian’s Signature
Grade 5 – Compare and Order Fractions,
Decimals, and Percents
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
6
Last printed 9/7/04