Is 1/5 Bigger Than 2/7?

Method 1: Common Denominators

To compare these fractions, we need a common denominator. The denominators are 5 and 7, and the least common denominator (LCD) is 35.

• Step 1. Convert \(\frac{1}{5}\): multiply numerator and denominator by 7.
  \[\frac{1}{5} = \frac{1 \times 7}{5 \times 7} = \frac{7}{35}\]
• Step 2. Convert \(\frac{2}{7}\): multiply numerator and denominator by 5.
  \[\frac{2}{7} = \frac{2 \times 5}{7 \times 5} = \frac{10}{35}\]
• Step 3. Compare the numerators: 7 vs 10.
• Step 4. Since 7 is less than 10, we know that \(\frac{1}{5} < \frac{2}{7}\).

Method 2: Cross Multiplication

A quicker way to compare fractions is to cross-multiply. Multiply each numerator by the other fraction's denominator:

• Step 1. Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second: \(1 \times 7 = 7\).
• Step 2. Multiply the numerator of the second fraction by the denominator of the first: \(2 \times 5 = 10\).
• Step 3. Compare the products: \(7 < 10\), so \(\frac{1}{5} < \frac{2}{7}\).

Method 3: Decimal Comparison

Convert each fraction to a decimal by dividing the numerator by the denominator:

Since 0.2 is less than 0.285714, we confirm that \(\frac{1}{5} < \frac{2}{7}\). In percentage terms, \(\frac{1}{5}\) is 20% and \(\frac{2}{7}\) is 28.5714%, a difference of 8.5714 percentage points.

Why Does This Work?

These fractions have different numerators and different denominators, so we can't compare them directly. By converting to a common denominator of 35, we're cutting both quantities into equal-sized pieces. Then 7 pieces vs 10 pieces is a straightforward comparison.