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Fractions & Mixed Numbers • Lesson 5 ⏱ 5 min read 📅 Updated Nov 2026

Comparing Fractions: How to Tell Which Fraction is Larger

Learn the cross-multiplication butterfly method and common denominator technique to easily compare and sort fractions.

Interactive Visual Math Explorer Explore Pizza & Fractions

Slice the pizza or slide the fraction bar to observe how fractions, decimals, and percentages relate in real time:

Interactive Visual Explorer

Compare Proportions Visually

Try:
Secret Trick

Do not be fooled by bigger numbers! 1/2 is much bigger than 1/100. When comparing fractions, use the Butterfly Cross-Multiplication trick to compare them in 3 seconds flat.

2 × 5 = 10 3 × 3 = 9 2 3 > 3 5 Since 10 is greater than 9, 2/3 is greater than 3/5 (2/3 > 3/5)
The Butterfly Cross-Multiplication Method: Cross-Multiply Numerator with Opposite Denominator

The 3 Ways to Compare Fractions

ScenarioRuleExampleWinner
Same DenominatorsLarger numerator wins!5/8 vs 3/85/8
Same NumeratorsSmaller denominator wins! (Fewer cuts = bigger slices)4/7 vs 4/114/7
Different EverythingUse Butterfly cross-multiplication or convert to decimal2/3 vs 3/5 (10 vs 9)2/3
Try It Yourself

Practice with Our Interactive Fraction Calculator

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Solved Step-by-Step Examples:3/4 as Decimal5/8 as Decimal
Your Turn!

Check Your Understanding (3 Quick Questions)

Score: 0 / 3

Question 1: Which fraction is larger: 3/4 or 5/8?

Question 2: In the Butterfly cross-multiplication method for 2/3 vs 3/5, what are the cross products?

Question 3: If two fractions share the same numerator (e.g. 3/7 vs 3/10), which is larger?