How do you know which fraction is bigger

Just as we found earlier using the common denominator method, the fact that the decimal 0. Whether you prefer to rewrite them in terms of a common denominator and compare their numerators or simply convert them into easily comparable decimal numbers, writing fractions in ascending or descending order is a relatively straightforward task. Finally, please send your math questions my way via Facebook , Twitter , or email at mathdude quickanddirtytips.

Thanks for reading, math fans! He provides clear explanations of math terms and principles, and his simple tricks for solving basic algebra problems will have even the most math-phobic person looking forward to working out whatever math problem comes their way. Jump to Navigation. How to Compare Fractions. December 15, Write your answer in lowest terms. Compare two-ninths and one-sixth by using the LCD to write equivalent fractions.

Then write the smaller fraction in lowest terms. Which is greater: nine-tenths or nine-ninths? Write the fraction below. Lessons on Fractions 1. Introduction to Fractions 2. Classifying Fractions 3. Equivalent Fractions 4. Simplifying Fractions 5. Comparing Fractions 6.

Ordering Fractions 7. Converting Fractions to Mixed Numbers 8. Converting Mixed Numbers to Fractions 9. Practice Exercises Challenge Exercises Try our Fractions Worksheet Generator. Example Convert these fractions to equivalent fractions with a common denominator in order to compare them.

Find the least common multiple LCM of 8 and Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of Find the least common multiple LCM of 6 and 4.

Find the least common multiple LCM of 9 and 3. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 9. Lessons on Fractions. Introduction to Fractions. Classifying Fractions. Equivalent Fractions. Simplifying Fractions. Comparing Fractions. Ordering Fractions. Converting Fractions to Mixed Numbers. Converting Mixed Numbers to Fractions. Practice Exercises. Challenge Exercises. Compare the fractions.

Now that both fractions have the same denominator, 18, you can compare numerators. When one denominator is not a factor of the other denominator, you can find a common denominator by multiplying the denominators together. Determine whether and are equivalent fractions. Use 60 as a common denominator. Multiply numerator and denominator of by 6.

Now that the denominators are the same, compare the numerators. Yes, and are equivalent fractions. Since 30 is the value of the numerator for both fractions, the two fractions are equal. Notice in the above example you can use 30 as the least common denominator since both 6 and 10 are factors of Any common denominator will work. In some cases you can simplify one or both of the fractions, which can result in a common denominator. The numerators and denominators are the same. Answer Yes, and are equivalent fractions.

Note: In the example above you could have used the common factor of 20 to simplify directly to. To determine whether or not two fractions are equivalent:. Step 1: Rewrite one or both of the fractions so that they have common denominators. Step 2: Compare the numerators to see if they have the same value.

If so, then the fractions are equivalent. Which of the following fraction pairs are equivalent? Although the same numbers, 5 and 7, are used in each fraction, the numerators and denominators are not equal, so the fractions cannot be equivalent. The correct answer is. This means the fractions are not equivalent. Take the fraction and multiply both the numerator and denominator by 4. You are left with the fraction. This means that the two fractions are equivalent.

The numerators of the two fractions are the same, but the denominators are different. When given two or more fractions, it is often useful to know which fraction is greater than or less than the other. For example, if the discount in one store is off the original price and the discount in another store is off the original price, which store is offering a better deal? To answer this question, and others like it, you can compare fractions. To determine which fraction is greater, you need to find a common denominator.