Is 1/6 Bigger Than 5/6?

No, \(\frac{1}{6}\) < \(\frac{5}{6}\)

\(\frac{1}{6}\)
16.6667%
\(\frac{5}{6}\)
83.3333%

Method 1: Common Denominators

These fractions already share the same denominator: 6. We just need to compare the numerators.

Method 2: Cross Multiplication

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

Method 3: Decimal Comparison

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

\(\frac{1}{6}\) as a decimal 0.166667
\(\frac{5}{6}\) as a decimal 0.833333
Difference 0.666667

Since 0.166667 is less than 0.833333, we confirm that \(\frac{1}{6} < \frac{5}{6}\). In percentage terms, \(\frac{1}{6}\) is 16.6667% and \(\frac{5}{6}\) is 83.3333%, a difference of 66.6667 percentage points.

Why Does This Work?

When two fractions share the same denominator, the pieces are the same size. A fraction with more pieces (a larger numerator) is simply a larger amount. Since 5 pieces is more than 1 pieces of the same size, \(\frac{5}{6}\) is the larger fraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger: 1/6 or 5/6?

\(\frac{5}{6}\) is bigger. As a decimal, \(\frac{5}{6}\) = 0.833333 while \(\frac{1}{6}\) = 0.166667.

What is the difference between 1/6 and 5/6?

The difference is \(\frac{2}{3}\), which equals 0.666667 in decimal form (66.6667 percentage points).

How do you compare 1/6 and 5/6?

You can use three methods: find a common denominator and compare numerators, cross-multiply and compare the products, or convert both fractions to decimals. All three methods confirm that \(\frac{5}{6}\) \(>\) \(\frac{1}{6}\).