Compare the following fractions: 3/8 and 7/8.
Understand the Problem
The question asks us to compare two fractions, 3/8 and 7/8, and determine which is larger or if they are equal. Since both fractions have the same denominator, the comparison can be made simply by looking at the numerators.
Answer
$\frac{3}{8} < \frac{7}{8}$
Answer for screen readers
$\frac{3}{8} < \frac{7}{8}$
Steps to Solve
- Compare the numerators
Since the denominators of both fractions ($\frac{3}{8}$ and $\frac{7}{8}$) are the same, we compare the numerators.
- Determine the larger fraction
Compare the numerators 3 and 7. Since 3 is less than 7, we can say that $\frac{3}{8}$ is less than $\frac{7}{8}$.
- Write the inequality
Using the "less than" symbol ($<$), we can write the inequality: $\frac{3}{8} < \frac{7}{8}$. Therefore, $\frac{7}{8}$ is the larger fraction.
$\frac{3}{8} < \frac{7}{8}$
More Information
When comparing fractions with the same denominator, the fraction with the larger numerator is the larger fraction. Visualizing these fractions can also help. If you divide a pie into 8 slices, 3 slices is less than 7 slices.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume that because the denominator is the same the fractions are equal. Another common mistake is to think that the larger number always makes the fraction larger, regardless of whether it is in the numerator or denominator. If the numerators were the same, the fraction with the smaller denominator would be larger, not smaller.
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