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Compare Fractions: Greater Than, Less Than, or Equal Tool

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How Do You Compare Fractions with Different Denominators?

Greater Than Less Than Fraction Calculator – Free with Steps, Formula, Table

Greater Than Less Than Fraction Calculator

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What is Greater Than Less Than Fraction Calculator?

The Greater Than Less Than Fraction Calculator is a free online tool designed to instantly compare two fractions and determine which is greater, which is less, or if both are equal. It uses mathematical rules and shows step-by-step working for both like and unlike denominators. This calculator is especially useful for students, teachers, and anyone who wants quick, accurate fraction comparisons without doing lengthy calculations.


Formula or Logic Behind Greater Than Less Than Fraction Calculator

To compare two fractions:

  • If the denominators are the same (like fractions): Compare the numerators. The fraction with the bigger numerator is greater.
  • If the denominators are different (unlike fractions): Use one of these methods:
    a) Cross-multiplication Method: For fractions a/b and c/d, compare (a×d) and (c×b). The greater product indicates the greater fraction.
    b) Common Denominator Method: Find least common denominator (LCM), rewrite both fractions, then compare numerators.
    c) Convert to decimals: Divide numerator by denominator and compare the decimal values.
Symbols used: < (less than), > (greater than), = (equal to).


Greater Than Less Than Fraction Examples Table

Fraction 1 Fraction 2 Symbol Larger Fraction
3/42/3>3/4
1/23/8>1/2
4/55/6<5/6
2/71/3<1/3
2/52/4<2/4
7/813/16>7/8
4/95/9<5/9
6/92/3=Both (2/3)
9/103/4>9/10
11/1310/13>11/13

Steps to Use the Greater Than Less Than Fraction Calculator

  • Enter the numerators and denominators of both fractions in their input fields.
  • Click on the 'Compare' button.
  • View the result instantly, along with the mathematical comparison symbol (< , >, =) and the calculation steps.

Why Use Vedantu’s Greater Than Less Than Fraction Calculator?

Vedantu’s calculator is easy to use, mobile-friendly, and gives instant, accurate answers. It clearly explains the comparison steps, handles both simple and tricky fractions, and is trusted by students, teachers, and competitive exam aspirants. It follows standard curriculum methods for fraction comparison and helps develop better number sense.


Real-life Applications of Greater Than Less Than Fraction Calculator

Comparing fractions is a daily skill—whether dividing a pizza fairly among friends, checking which student scored a greater fraction of marks, comparing discounts in shopping, measuring ingredients while cooking, or splitting bills. This calculator makes such comparisons quick, accurate, and clear, which is especially useful in academics, finance, science experiments, and daily life decisions. For further fraction concepts, see Fractions in Maths, Common Denominator Calculator, and Multiplying Fractions on Vedantu.


Want to learn more? Check related topics: Decimal Number System, Like vs Unlike Fractions, and Comparing Fractions.

FAQs on Compare Fractions: Greater Than, Less Than, or Equal Tool

1. How do I compare fractions with different denominators?

To compare fractions with unlike denominators, find a common denominator (the least common multiple or LCM) for both fractions. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator. Then, compare the numerators; the fraction with the larger numerator is greater.
Alternatively, use cross-multiplication: multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second, and vice-versa. The larger product corresponds to the larger fraction.

2. Which fraction is bigger, 3/4 or 2/3?

To determine which fraction is larger, find a common denominator for 3/4 and 2/3. The LCM of 4 and 3 is 12. Convert the fractions: 3/4 becomes 9/12 and 2/3 becomes 8/12. Since 9/12 > 8/12, 3/4 is greater than 2/3.

3. How to compare 1/2 and 3/4?

The simplest method is to find a common denominator. The LCM of 2 and 4 is 4. 1/2 converts to 2/4. Now compare 2/4 and 3/4. Since 2/4 < 3/4, 3/4 is greater than 1/2.

4. What is the rule for greater than less than in fractions?

If fractions have the same denominator, the fraction with the larger numerator is greater. If fractions have different denominators, find a common denominator and then compare the numerators. Alternatively, use cross-multiplication.

5. How do you make denominators the same when comparing fractions?

To make denominators the same, find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. Then, multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the necessary factor to obtain the LCM as the new denominator. This converts each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the same denominator.

6. How do you compare fractions using cross-multiplication?

Cross-multiplication is a quick method to compare fractions. Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction and vice versa. The fraction with the larger product is the larger fraction. For example, comparing 2/5 and 3/7: 2 x 7 = 14 and 3 x 5 = 15. Since 15 > 14, 3/7 > 2/5.

7. What are equivalent fractions, and how do they help in comparing fractions?

Equivalent fractions represent the same value but have different numerators and denominators. When comparing fractions with different denominators, converting them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator simplifies the comparison by allowing a direct comparison of numerators.

8. What is the easiest way to compare two fractions?

If the denominators are the same, simply compare the numerators. If the denominators are different, the easiest approach often depends on the numbers involved. For simple fractions, finding a common denominator and comparing numerators is straightforward. For more complex fractions, cross-multiplication can be faster.

9. How can I check my fraction comparison work?

You can use a fraction calculator to verify your answer. Also, try visualizing the fractions using a number line or by representing them with parts of a whole (like a pie chart). This can help you understand the relative sizes of the fractions.

10. Can I use decimals to compare fractions?

Yes! Converting fractions to decimals provides another method for comparing. Simply divide the numerator by the denominator for each fraction. Then compare the resulting decimal values. The fraction with the larger decimal value is the greater fraction.

11. Which fraction is greater, 5/8 or 4/7?

Using cross-multiplication: 5 x 7 = 35 and 4 x 8 = 32. Since 35 > 32, 5/8 is greater than 4/7.

12. How can I order fractions from least to greatest?

First, find a common denominator for all the fractions. Then, compare the numerators. Arrange the fractions in ascending order based on their numerators. Alternatively, you can convert the fractions to decimals and then arrange them in ascending order.