Is 5/9 Bigger Than 1/10?

Method 1: Common Denominators

To compare these fractions, we need a common denominator. The denominators are 9 and 10, and the least common denominator (LCD) is 90.

• Step 1. Convert \(\frac{5}{9}\): multiply numerator and denominator by 10.
  \[\frac{5}{9} = \frac{5 \times 10}{9 \times 10} = \frac{50}{90}\]
• Step 2. Convert \(\frac{1}{10}\): multiply numerator and denominator by 9.
  \[\frac{1}{10} = \frac{1 \times 9}{10 \times 9} = \frac{9}{90}\]
• Step 3. Compare the numerators: 50 vs 9.
• Step 4. Since 50 is greater than 9, we know that \(\frac{5}{9} > \frac{1}{10}\).

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: \(5 \times 10 = 50\).
• Step 2. Multiply the numerator of the second fraction by the denominator of the first: \(1 \times 9 = 9\).
• Step 3. Compare the products: \(50 > 9\), so \(\frac{5}{9} > \frac{1}{10}\).

Method 3: Decimal Comparison

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

Since 0.555556 is greater than 0.1, we confirm that \(\frac{5}{9} > \frac{1}{10}\). In percentage terms, \(\frac{5}{9}\) is 55.5556% and \(\frac{1}{10}\) is 10%, a difference of 45.5556 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 90, we're cutting both quantities into equal-sized pieces. Then 50 pieces vs 9 pieces is a straightforward comparison.