Is 2/5 Bigger Than 3/5?

No, \(\frac{2}{5}\) < \(\frac{3}{5}\)

\(\frac{2}{5}\)
40%
\(\frac{3}{5}\)
60%

Method 1: Common Denominators

These fractions already share the same denominator: 5. 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:

\(\frac{2}{5}\) as a decimal 0.4
\(\frac{3}{5}\) as a decimal 0.6
Difference 0.2

Since 0.4 is less than 0.6, we confirm that \(\frac{2}{5} < \frac{3}{5}\). In percentage terms, \(\frac{2}{5}\) is 40% and \(\frac{3}{5}\) is 60%, a difference of 20 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 3 pieces is more than 2 pieces of the same size, \(\frac{3}{5}\) is the larger fraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger: 2/5 or 3/5?

\(\frac{3}{5}\) is bigger. As a decimal, \(\frac{3}{5}\) = 0.6 while \(\frac{2}{5}\) = 0.4.

What is the difference between 2/5 and 3/5?

The difference is \(\frac{1}{5}\), which equals 0.2 in decimal form (20 percentage points).

How do you compare 2/5 and 3/5?

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 \(\frac{3}{5}\) \(>\) \(\frac{2}{5}\).