Is 1/7 Bigger Than 5/7?

No, \(\frac{1}{7}\) < \(\frac{5}{7}\)

\(\frac{1}{7}\)
14.2857%
\(\frac{5}{7}\)
71.4286%

Method 1: Common Denominators

These fractions already share the same denominator: 7. 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:

\(\frac{1}{7}\) as a decimal 0.142857
\(\frac{5}{7}\) as a decimal 0.714286
Difference 0.571429

Since 0.142857 is less than 0.714286, we confirm that \(\frac{1}{7} < \frac{5}{7}\). In percentage terms, \(\frac{1}{7}\) is 14.2857% and \(\frac{5}{7}\) is 71.4286%, a difference of 57.1429 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, \(\frac{5}{7}\) is the larger fraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger: 1/7 or 5/7?

\(\frac{5}{7}\) is bigger. As a decimal, \(\frac{5}{7}\) = 0.714286 while \(\frac{1}{7}\) = 0.142857.

What is the difference between 1/7 and 5/7?

The difference is \(\frac{4}{7}\), which equals 0.571429 in decimal form (57.1429 percentage points).

How do you compare 1/7 and 5/7?

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 \(\frac{5}{7}\) \(>\) \(\frac{1}{7}\).