Comparing Fractions: Step-by-Step Example
22 October 2026
Comparing fractions can feel tricky at first, but there is a simple way to find out which is bigger. When the numbers on the bottom (the denominators) are different, you can use cross multiplication to compare them quickly.
Worked example
Which fraction is bigger: 3/5 or 2/3?
Step 1: Cross multiply. Multiply 3 by 3 to get 9. Multiply 2 by 5 to get 10.
Step 2: Compare the results. 9 is less than 10.
Step 3: So, 3/5 is less than 2/3.
The answer is 2/3 is bigger than 3/5.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 3 × 3 | 3 (numerator) × 3 (denominator) | 9 |
| 2 × 5 | 2 (numerator) × 5 (denominator) | 10 |
Now you can spot which fraction is bigger, even when the denominators are not the same. This is a useful skill for many 11+ maths questions. Try practising with similar questions to get even more confident.
