Which is larger two fifths or three fifths?

Answer 1

Three fifths.

Any time you are dealing with like fractions (that is, the bottom number, or denominator, is the same) then the numerator (top number) will determine which is larger, since you are dealing with pieces of the same size. For example, 3/12 is smaller than 9/12, and 7/8 is larger than 3/8.

The only time there is really a question of which is larger or smaller is when you are dealing with unlike fractions, which then must be converted to like fractions and thus the comparison becomes clear. For example, "Which is larger, 3/4 or 3/6?" At a glance you should be able to tell that 3/4 is larger, since in this case we are dealing with the same number of pieces, but fourths are larger (in fractions, the larger the denominator, the smaller the piece). However, technically these should be converted to like fractions. Since 12 is the Least Common Denominator between these two fractions, we would convert both to twelfths: 3/4 = 9/12 and 3/6 = 6/12. So now the question becomes, "Which is larger, 9/12 or 6/12?" which can be easily answered -- 9/12 or (in lowest terms) 3/4.

* The bottom number of a fraction is called a denominator. It denotes how many pieces into which the whole has been divided (thus the more pieces, the smaller each piece). * The top number of a fraction is called the numerator. It denotes how many pieces of the whole you have.

* Like fractions have the same denominator. They can easily be compared, added or subtracted as is (you add or subtract only the numerators). * Unlike fractions (where the denominator is different) must be converted into like fractions (using the Least Common Denominator) and then can be added, subtracted or compared easily. (Although they can be multiplied or divided without conversion.)