Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

To arrange a list of fractions from smallest to greatest, what is the recommended approach?

1. Add the fractions

2. Convert each fraction into a decimal

3. Find a common denominator

4. Estimate the fractions

The correct answer is: Convert each fraction into a decimal

Converting each fraction into a decimal is an effective way to arrange them from smallest to greatest because decimal notation provides a straightforward visual comparison. When fractions are expressed as decimals, they can be directly compared by their numeric value, making it easy to see which ones are larger or smaller. For example, if you have fractions like 1/4, 1/2, and 3/8, converting them to decimals results in 0.25, 0.5, and 0.375, respectively. This allows for quick identification that 0.25 is the smallest, followed by 0.375, and then 0.5. Other methods, like finding a common denominator or estimating the fractions, can also work but may not be as efficient. Finding a common denominator can turn into a lengthy process if the fractions have significantly different denominators, and estimating may introduce errors or inaccuracies that don't provide the precise order needed. Adding the fractions does not assist in arranging them by size; instead, it creates new values that don't help with comparing the original list.