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# Comparing Fractions Calculator

Compare Fractions
Compare:

and
1 3/4 < 1 7/8

Showing the work
The least common denominator is: 8
Then comparing 14/8 with 15/8

14/8 < 15/8,
therefore,
1 3/4 < 1 7/8

## Calculator Use

Compare fractions and mixed numbers to find whether they are equal to, greater than or less than each other (=, > or <).

## How to Compare Fractions

To compare fractions with unlike denominators, first convert them to equivalent fractions with the same denominator.

1. Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions
2. Find the lowest common denominator (LCD)
3. Convert each fraction into its equivalent with the LCD in the denominator
4. Compare fractions: Given identical denominators, the fraction with the larger numerator is the larger fraction

Example:

Compare 5/6 and 3/8.

Find the LCD: The multiples of 6 are 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, etc. The multiples of 8 are 8, 16, 24, 32, etc. The lowest common multiple is 24 so we use that as the lowest common denominator.

Convert each fraction to its equivalent fraction using the LCD.
For 5/6, multiply numerator and denominator by 4 to have LCD = 24 in the denominator.

$$\dfrac{5}{6} \times \dfrac{4}{4} = \dfrac{20}{24}$$

For 3/8, multiply numerator and denominator by 3 to have LCD = 24 in the denominator.

$$\dfrac{3}{8} \times \dfrac{3}{3} = \dfrac{9}{24}$$

Compare the fractions:

Since
$$\dfrac{20}{24} > \dfrac{9}{24}$$
we conclude
$$\dfrac{5}{6} > \dfrac{3}{8}$$

For additional fraction help see our Fractions Calculator, Simplify Fractions Calculator and Mixed Numbers Calculator.

References: Help with Fractions Finding The Least Common Denominator.

Cite this content, page or calculator as:

Furey, Edward "Comparing Fractions Calculator"; from http://www.calculatorsoup.com - Online Calculator Resource.