Is three eights greater than three fourths?

Answer 1

No, 3/8 is less than 3/4. There are a number of ways to approach this problem.

1. The easiest and most practical way for you to analyze the size of a fraction compared to another one is by finding a least common denominator, abbreviated LCD. This is the least number that both of the numbers on the bottom or denominator of the fraction multiply to. You multiply the whole fraction (the numerator and denominator) by a factor in order to get common denominators.

In your case:

4 can multiply to 8, so multiply the whole fraction by 2/2, a fancy form of the number one.

3/4 * 2/2 = 6/8

Since 6 is greater than 3, 3/4 is greater than 3/8.

If you can't figure out the LCM of the two numbers, simply multiply both the numerator and denominator of the fractions by the other fraction's denominator. This will automatically set you up with a common denominator.

In your case:

3/8 * 4/4 = 12/32

3/4 * 8/8 = 24/32

Since 12 is less than 24, 3/8 is less than 3/4.

2. You could also think of the different quantities and their meaning in a certain situation.

In your case:

For example, if you had 3 out of your 8 Golf balls you would have lower percentage of your golf balls than if your friend had 3 out of his 4 golf balls.

3. You could also convert the fractions to decimal form. This could get tricky if you aren't familiar with common decimals (e.g.: 1/2 = .50) or if you don't have a calculator handy. But this can be a very useful and quick method to determine which fraction is greater.

In your case:

Since 3/8 = 0.375 and 3/4 = 0.75, 3/4 is greater than 3/8.