Comparing Fractions

Fractions are a type of real number, where there will be a numerator (top number above the fraction bar) and denominator (bottom number below the fraction bar).

Comparing fractions follows simple steps based on the numerator and denominator. Here are the five different methods to compare fractions.

Like denominators are when the numbers below the fraction bar are the same. When it is a denominator, then it is easy to compare fractions. 

Step 1: First check the denominators. For example, the numbers 8/20 and 17/20 have the same denominators. 

Step 2: Next, compare the numerators of the given fractions. Since 17 is greater than 8, it indicates a larger fraction.

Step 3: Thus, 17/20 > 8/20.

Unlike denominators, the numbers below the fraction bar are not the same. In order to compare unlike denominators, we have to first change the denominators to like denominators. 

Step 1: First, ensure the denominators are converted to their lowest common denominator (LCD). For example, 2/5 and 7/8. Here, 5 and 8 are the denominators, and they are not equal. 

Step 2: The lowest common denominator for 5 and 8 is 5 x 8 = 40. 

Step 3: Each fraction must be multiplied by the appropriate factor to reach the LCD of 40.

        2/5 x 8/8 = 16/40

        7/8 x 5/5 = 35/40

Step 4: Since both denominators are now equal, compare the numerators. Here, 35 is greater than 16. 

         35/40 ＞16/40

In this approach, we change the fractions into decimals by dividing the numerator by the denominator. Then, we compare their decimal values to determine which is greater. 

Step 1: Convert the fractions into decimals. For example, 

        15/5 and 20/40 ⇒ 3 and 0.5

Step 2: Now, compare them. 3 is greater than 0.5. Thus, 

        15/5 > 20/40

Visual representation is the easiest way to compare fractions. To do this, draw two equal-sized boxes and divide them into sections according to the denominators of the fractions. Then, shade the parts based on the numerators. By comparing the shaded areas, we can easily determine which fraction is larger or smaller. 

Step 1: Start with two fractions, 2/8 and 2/10.

Step 2: Draw two equal-sized circles to represent these fractions.

Step 3: Since both denominators are now equal, compare the numerators. Here, 35 is greater than 16.

Step 4: Compare the shaded areas in both circles, and notice that the shaded area of 2/8 is larger than that of 2/10.

Step 5: Conclude that 2/10 < 2/8 because the fraction with the smaller shaded area represents the smaller value.

The cross multiplication approach allows us to compare fractions by multiplying the denominator of one fraction by the numerator of another.  Let's take a step-by-step approach to comprehend this.

Step 1: Multiply the first fraction's numerator by the second fraction's denominator.  Substitute the numerator of the first fraction with the product.  For instance,

        7/14 and 5/18

       ⇒ 7 x 18 ⇒ 126

Step 2: Multiply the first fraction's denominator by the second fraction's numerator.  Write this product by substituting the numerator of the second fraction. That is, 

        7/14 and 5/18
        
      ⇒   5 x 14 ⇒ 70

Step 3: Compare the two products. The fraction with the larger product is the greater fraction. 

        126 ＞70

Fractions are everywhere in daily life, making it essential to compare them accurately. Here are some of the real life applications of comparing fractions. 

Cooking and Baking:

Recipes often require fractional measurements (e.g., 1/2 cup of sugar vs. 3/4 cup of flour). Comparing fractions helps determine which ingredient has a larger or smaller quantity.

Shopping and Discounts:

When stores offer discounts like 1/3 off vs. 1/4 off, comparing fractions helps determine which portion is larger when sharing.

Time Management:

If one person studies for 2/5 of an hour and another for 3/4 of an hour, comparing fractions helps understand who studies longer.