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Comparing Fractions Practice Problems with Answers

Five solved problems, then unlimited practice. Pick <, = or > and see the cross multiplication when you finish.

Addition

Add fractions with like and unlike denominators

Subtraction

Subtract fractions with like and unlike denominators

Multiplication

Multiply fractions and mixed numbers

Division

Divide fractions and mixed numbers

Simplifying

Reduce fractions to lowest terms

Equivalent

Find the missing number

Comparing

Pick <, = or >

Mixed Numbers

Mixed numbers and improper fractions

5 comparing fractions problems with answers

Each one shows the answer and the working. Try it yourself first, then check.

  1. 1.3/8 ? 5/8

    Answer: 3/8 < 5/8

    Same denominator, so compare the numerators: 3 is less than 5.

  2. 2.2/5 ? 2/7

    Answer: 2/5 > 2/7

    Same numerator, so the smaller denominator wins: fifths are bigger pieces than sevenths.

  3. 3.3/4 ? 5/7

    Answer: 3/4 > 5/7

    Cross multiply: 3 × 7 = 21 and 5 × 4 = 20. 21 is greater than 20, so 3/4 is greater.

  4. 4.4/6 ? 6/9

    Answer: 4/6 = 6/9

    Cross multiply: 4 × 9 = 36 and 6 × 6 = 36. The products match, so the fractions are equal (both are 2/3).

  5. 5.7/12 ? 5/8

    Answer: 7/12 < 5/8

    Use the common denominator 24: 7/12 = 14/24 and 5/8 = 15/24. 14 is less than 15.

Practice: pick <, = or >

Score: 0 / 0

 

How to compare fractions

  1. Same denominator? Compare the numerators.
  2. Same numerator? The smaller denominator is the bigger fraction.
  3. Neither? Cross multiply and compare the two products.

About one problem in six is a pair of equal fractions written differently, so do not skip the = button. To check an answer, use the fraction comparator.

Comparing fractions: common questions

Cross multiply: for a/b and c/d, compare a × d with c × b. Whichever product is bigger belongs to the bigger fraction. For 3/4 and 5/7, 21 beats 20, so 3/4 is greater.

Just compare the numerators. 5/8 is greater than 3/8 because five eighths is more than three eighths.

The fraction with the smaller denominator is bigger, because the whole is cut into fewer, larger pieces. 2/5 is greater than 2/7.

Yes. 3/4 = 0.75 and 5/7 ≈ 0.714, so 3/4 is greater. Cross multiplication is usually faster by hand, but decimals help when you have more than two fractions to order.